Leo A. Ochsner

Leo passed away October 15, 2014 in Seattle.  He was born on July 10, 1918 in Madisonville, LA, the son of Seth and Lula Ochsner.  Leo grew up in rural Robert, LA with four siblings and graduated from Ponchatoula High School.  He and his wife, Arlene Mae Ochsner, were married for 65 years.  They lived in West Seattle for most of their married life, where they raised three children.  A devoted husband and father, Leo worked hard to support his family and modeled many positive character traits over the years which became lessons to guide his children in living their own lives: honesty, perserverance, resourcefulness, self-confidence, self-education, determination, resilience, patience, independence and a strong work ethic.  Dad proudly served in the US Army Air Corp from 1939-1945.  He worked at a variety of jobs but predominantly as an electrician for Boeing.  Later he owned a 7-11 franchise and briefly sold real estate in West Seattle.  Dad worked well past retirement at the New York Hotel and Cafe in Ketchikan, AK.  He spent years helping his youngest son restore the building and then managed the hotel and cafe with Arlene for a number of years until it was sold.  Dad was a life long member of the Masons and served as Worshipful Master of Alkai Lodge.  There he also served as Worthy Patron during Mom's term as Worthy Matron.  Leo was preceded in death by Arlene, his beloved wife.  He is survived by his children: Douglas Ochsner (Karen); Vivian Pteterson (Bruce); and Frederic Ochsner (Margo); seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren plus one on the way; and his sister, Vesta McMorris.  Dad modeled strength of character throughtout his life,even when he may not have realized it and his children and grandchildren gained much from him.  We are all richer for his presence in our lives.  The family wishes to acknowledge with gratitude the loving care given Leo by the staff of Florence of Seattle and Group Health Hospice.