Leo Lexington Byrne Jr.

Leo Lexington Byrne Jr. was born on August 9, 1936, in Ponca City, Oklahoma, to Leo and Rose Mary Byrne. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 26, 2025, at Birchwood Health Care Center in Forest Lake, Minnesota.

Leo dedicated his life to service, retiring from the United States Postal Service after 35 years and the Army National Guard after 22 years. His commitment extended beyond his professional career, as he volunteered for the Civil Air Patrol for 8 years, served with the St. Paul Police Reserve for 13 years, and contributed 10 years to the American Red Cross. Additionally, he was a valued member of the Church Council at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Stacy, Minnesota.

A quiet and gentle man, Leo never hesitated to help others, always ready to lend a hand. Throughout his life, he took part in patrolling events such as rock concerts, the Minnesota State Fair, festivals, air shows, and protests. He assisted families in crisis following house fires and natural disasters and played a vital role in search and rescue missions.

Leo had a deep love for his family, a passion for helping others, and an enduring interest in reading, politics, and history - particularly World War II. In his early years, he worked as a taxicab driver in the Twin Cities, which proved valuable experience for the many rides he generously gave to his children and grandchildren. He truly lived a life marked by grace and selflessness.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Birchwood Health Care Center and Mattson Funeral Home for their compassionate care and support.

Leo was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dolores; sister, Sera Byrne; brother, Joseph Byrne; and brothers-in-law, Donald (Dorothy) Lidberg and James Lidberg.

He is survived by:

his brother, Timothy Byrne; sister-in-law, Ellen Byrne; brother-in-law, Richard (Debbie) Lidberg;

his children:

· Leo (Danelle) Byrne III, grandchildren, Travis (Patti) Byrne and Tara Byrne;

· Amy Byrne, granddaughters, Nicole (Tim) Frye and Michele (Rick) Jackson, and great-grandchildren, James Jensen, Zachary Hamilton, Nevaeh Jensen-Frye, Tim Frye, Thomas Frye, and Jalaya Frye;

· Kimberly (Mike) Mattson, granddaughter, Monica (Jonas) Malm and great-grandson, Wesley Malm, grandson, Michael (Kristina) Mattson;

his stepchildren:

· David Lidberg, grandchildren, Sean and Ryan;

· Lawrence (Victoria Holbert) Narikawa, former daughter-in-law, Margeret Wagner, grandson, Keiji, great-granddaughter, Taylor, and great-great-grandchildren, Liberty, Asher, and Benjamin (being raised by their maternal grandparents Hollie & Donald Cornelius); great-grandson, Onami, great-granddaughter, Amaterasu (their mother, Susan Yang), great-grandson, Sage, and great-granddaughter, Victoria;

· Malia Narikawa, grandchildren, Ryan and Eric;

· Susan, grandchildren, Kelly (John) Cooper and great-grandchildren, Dylann, Ellison, and John (Jack); grandsons Mark (Kendra) Kobler and Ryan Kobler;

· Naomi (Don Lanoux) Narikawa, grandchildren, Christina (Luke) Olson and great-granddaughter, Alana, and great-great-grandchildren, Sophia, Cierra, Euclid, and Elly; great-granddaughter, Allison, great-grandson, Aiden, and grandson, David (Carolyn) Narikawa; granddaughter, Myah (Arthur) Lanoux-Nguyen and great-granddaughter, Genevieve; grandson, Caleb;

· Diana (George) Mach, granddaughter, Alisha and great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Melanie, Giada, Vincent, and Jonathan; granddaughter, Melanie (Ben) Johnson, great children, Charles and Teagan; grandsons, Nathan and Jeremy;

in addition to many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Leo’s life was an extraordinary testament to kindness, dedication, and service. His legacy will continue to inspire those who knew him best.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 17, 2025 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 31075 Genesis Avenue, Stacy, Minnesota. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the church. A luncheon will immediately follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the family.