Obituary of Leo Vos

Leo Joseph Vos was born at the family home at Spring Lake (South of Daysland) to pioneers Henry Vos of Minnesota, and Catherine Slattery, a school teacher from Iowa. He was the "middle child" of their "bakers dozen" 13. He passed away June 11, 2013, five days short of his 95th birthday. Farming was his passion, living on the farm until building a new home in Daysland in 1986, close enough to still keep an eye on the work, no matter how much the boys tried to send him home at night. At 80 years old he combined 800 acres, then truly retired. Leo loved baseball, playing for Spring Lake, as well as curling in the winter. Eventually the Daysland Seniors Center became his second home, playing cards and floor curling. His faith was of the quiet, deep type, faithful and hopeful. Leo married Jean (Malone) Moessner in October 1964, a widow. Later Leo would joke that in one day he gained a wife, five children, one cat, two dogs, one pinto pony, one milk cow and two mothers-in-law. Days were busy and challenging, not only with customary farming and chores, but adapting to a busy household after being a bachelor for 46 years. The responsibilities grew as the family did, adding two more children. He took an active part in school meetings, Knights of Columbus, and the 4H Beef Club, where he helped prepare the animals with the kids for the big Show Day. He chauffeured for many basketball and little league games. The family remembers Sunday afternoon drives 10 miles an hour checking crops and cattle and the hilarious songs he would sing. In 2004, Leo left our home for care in Providence Place in Daysland for five years, then moving to the Louise Jensen Care Center in Camrose. Staff at both places pleasantly recall he would sing to them and tease them. Leo is survived by his wife Jean; two children Joan (Mark) Kuziak of Lloydminster and David Vos of Sherwood Park; step-children Trudy Moessner (Madonna House), Kevin Moessner of Daysland, Teresa (Renè) Boucher of Barrhead and Gregory Moessner (Tanis) near Beaumont; five grandchildren; and siblings Alfred, Kathleen, Henry and Genevieve. He was predeceased by his parents; all but the above four siblings; and one step-son Michael Moessner. A prayer vigil was held on Thursday, June 13, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. from Our Lady of the Prairies Roman Catholic Church Daysland. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, June 14, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. from Our Lady of the Prairies Roman Catholic Church Daysland with Rev. Leon Kler as celebrant. Interment has taken place in the Spring Lake Cemetery. If family and friends so desire, memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to Providence Place or to Louise Jensen Care Centre.