Leo Joseph Ilg passed away peacefully in his home on Aug. 21, 2022 surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and nieces and nephew. Leo was born on March 8, 1935 in Lincoln, Nebraska to Xavier and Josephine Ilg. He spent his first years of life growing up with his twin brother, George John Ilg, in Lincoln until they moved to Oregon. He often told of the story how they crossed the Oregon border on their third birthday.
Leo completed his education at Molalla High School. He married his wife, Carol, July 6, 1963. They purchased a beautiful piece of property outside of Woodburn where they raised two daughters. It was home until their passing. Leo survived his wife, Carol Ann Ilg, who passed on Oct. 13, 2021.
Leo supported his family working in construction, where his workmanship was well respected. He served his community and country in many ways. He served in the Oregon National Guard, volunteered with a local search and rescue team, then served on the Monitor Fire Dept. for many years where his tenure included time as chief.
Leo touched many lives throughout his journey in life and was a man who didn’t know a stranger. Those that knew him well will most likely remember him working is his shop where his hobby during retirement was making wooden models of army tanks, firetrucks and Caterpillar equipment, all handmade. He had a gift for bringing to life the image in his mind and shared his work with all who visited at the farm.
Leo is survived by two daughters Karen (Larry) Purdy and Karla (Gordon) Willmschen, grandchildren Tanner (Callie) Willmschen and Hannah Purdy, along with nieces and nephews Richard (Tammi) Ilg, Kathleen Noonan, Mary Jo (Mark) Bassett, Janet Ilg, and Krista (Reed) Gray, Carl (Catherine) Ang and 11 great nieces and nephews. He cherished each one.
Funeral services will be held Sept. 30, 11 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Mt. Angel. Committal services follow at Calvary Cemetery. Contributions in his honor can be made to the Monitor Fire Dept.
