Leo Joseph Bartley

Leo Joseph Bartley, 89, passed away September 1, 2016 at Peace Hospice in Great Falls. A vigil service will be Thursday, September 8, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. The funeral liturgy will be Friday, September 9, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. also at Holy Spirit. O’Connor Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Leo was born on October 14, 1926 to Helen (Seifert) and Michael Joseph Bartley in Great Falls, MT. He was raised in Great Falls with his younger brother, Jimmy and sister, Mary Helen. He graduated from St. Thomas Military Academy in St. Paul, Minnesota in the spring of 1944. He entered the U.S. Army, serving in WWII in the Pacific Theatre in Japan. Returning from the service, he completed his education at the College of Great Falls with a degree in Chemistry and began working at Anaconda Copper Mining as a chemist. He was part owner of the family business, Bartley Distributing Co. He continued his career in other sales positions until his retirement. Leo married Lucille M. Sande on June 8, 1949 in Havre, MT. He was a member of Knights of Columbus, VFW, and Our Lady of Lourdes Parish. He also actively participated in local community politics. He enjoyed golfing with friends and working out at the gym. He was an avid reader, a lifelong learner and enjoyed listening to Classical and Irish music. Survivors include his wife of 67 years, his children, Kathy Boutilier of Helena, Kerry Bartley (Steve Cilwick) of Hobe Sound, FL, Christine McIntosh, Colleen Bartley, Laura Evenson, (Mark) all of Great Falls, Lucille Bartley (Jerry Yilmaz) of Greenwood, IN, Michael J. Bartley (Wendy) of Meridian, ID, and Margy Bartley of Missoula; 19 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; his sister; and several nieces and nephews. Leo was preceded in death by his parents; brother; infant son, Charles Thomas; and granddaughter Megan Bartley. He loved and was loved by his parents, siblings, wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.