LEO ANTHONY WELP was born December 3, 1922 in Portland, Oregon, the son of Otto and Regina (Merica) Welp. He was raised and received his education at St. Mary's Academy High School in The Dalles.
He was a former monk at Mt. Angel Abbey for twenty-eight years. He then worked on his brothers ranch in Dufur, Oregon for the next twelve years after which he lived for four years with his aunt and cousin in Toledo, Oregon. In 1988, he began working as an assistant to Fr. Joseph Heuberger, first at the Immaculate Heart Parish in Portland and for the past nine years at Visitation Parish in Verboort. He helped as the groundskeeper as well as assisting Father with house duties.
Among his interests, Leo enjoyed gardening, flowers, playing cards, cooking as well as caring for Father's chickens and turkeys. He was a tailor and cut hair.
Leo was a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters and lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Charles Welp in 1997.
Leo passed away March 10, 2003 at his home in Verboort. He is survived by four brothers, Lawrence Welp of Juneau, Alaska; Raphael Welp of Spokane, Washington; Hilary Welp and Jerome Welp both of Dufur, Oregon; a sister, Mary Pahl of Aurora, Oregon; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family suggests that remembrances may be contributions to the Visitation School Endowment Fund, 4247 NW Visitation Road, Forest Grove, Oregon 97116, in his memory.
A reception will be held in Harris Center at the church following the cemetery rites for family and friends.
Arrangements By Fuiten, Rose & Hoyt Funeral Home, Forest Grove
Floral Arrangements By Dorothy Martin