Leo Joseph Heilman, 80, passed away peacefully Thursday at the Albany Mennonite Home.

He was born in Winnipeg, Canada. He married Josephine Helen Klein June 27, 1955, in North Dakota. They had nine children (one still born.) Josephine passed away in 1978. He met and married Donna J. (Downs) Stutz on March 22, 1986, at Queen of Peace church in Portland.

Leo was a life-long worker. He began as a farmer in Fargo, N.D., until eventually becoming a mechanic. His mechanic career brought him and his family from Fargo to Great Falls, Mont., to Lind, Wash., then finally to Coos Bay.

Desiring to learn more, Leo graduated from Oregon State University with a master's in mathematics. Leo then became an educator at Stayton High School until teaching in Ecuador. After teaching Leo began traveling as a long haul truck driver. Finally, Leo's endeavors ended as a dog breeder (pugs, boxers and basset hounds) in Sweet Home.

In addition to his wife, Donna, Leo is survived by his children, James, Anthony, Damian, Cletus, Debbie Winter, Kathy Stueve, Monica Tagabuel, Ed "Butch" Stutz, and Casey Stutz Sr. He had 22 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

A viewing will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday at Aasum-Dufour Funeral Home, 805 Ellsworth St. SW Albany. Leo's memorial service will be at 11a.m., Tuesday at St. Helen's Catholic Church, 815 Eigth Ave., Sweet Home. Following Mass will be a luncheon then a gravesite burial at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Corvallis for family and friends.

AAsum-Dufour Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. ( www.aasum-dufour.com )