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Leo Allen Deg Sr. passed away Friday June 30, in The Dalles, Oregon, surrounded by family. He was born in Yakima, Washington, on June 4, 1938, to Ferdinand Deg and Phyllis King, Leo was the youngest of five siblings. At only 17 years of age, Leo enlisted in the United States Army, where he served as a Staff Sergeant in the Korean War. While in the military he earned the Silver Star, Sharp Shooter and Good Conduct medals.
After returning from Korea, Leo was stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana, as a Motor Pool E5 Sergeant where he met Mildred Lee Rodriguez. They were married on November 8, 1957, in Oakdale, Louisiana. Once Leo had finished serving his term in the Army, the couple moved back to Yakima.
The family moved to The Dalles, Oregon in 1961, where he worked as a police officer for The Dalles City Police. Leo began working for Harvey Aluminum, and also worked for Martin Marietta Aluminum until his retirement.
Considered as quite an accomplishment even back then, Leo built his house paycheck to paycheck while working at the plant. Together, he and Mildred turned that house into a happy home where the couple lived with their three children, daughters Patti, Penni and a son, Leo Jr.
Leo was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in The Dalles. He loved the Columbia River Gorge and enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping in the outdoors, and all family activities. Leo loved spending time with his five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. As a young man he was fond of Jeep races and enjoyed going on Jeep runs. Leo also loved his candy-apple red Harley. His passion was restoring old cars, tackling various projects, or just tinkering on something in his shop. Leo was a very giving and helpful man, always willing to lend a hand and the kind who would “give the shirt off his back.” He was also a Shriner for years and was a 32nd Degree Mason.
Leo is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mildred Deg; daughter Patti Timmer, husband Tim; daughter Penni Hardin, husband Steve; son Leo Deg Jr.; grandchildren Heather Timmer Ornelas, husband (Edwardo); John Timmer, wife (Brooke); Brandon Deg, Natasha Deg, Tyler York, wife (Sara); great-grandchildren Natalie, Eric, and Alyssa Ornelas, Jaxon and Elliette Timmer, Clayton Miller, Henry York; brother W.O. Brown of The Dalles.
Memorial Services will be held Thursday, July 6, at 11 a.m. at Oddfellows Three Mile Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Eagles, located at 2006 W. 7th St. in The Dalles. Donations may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children in Portland, Oregon.
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