Leon, Joseph L. Joseph Leon, also known to those in Cincinnati, Ohio, the place of his birth, as "Roy", peacefully left this earth for a better place on April 7, 2020 at the age of 88. Joe is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, JoAnn; sons, Mike (Sandy), Andy (Kari); daughter, Paula (Peter) McCarthy; grandchildren, Anthony (Rachel), Stephanie (Andrew) Guizzetti, Hannah (John) Wilson, Sam and Claudia; great grandchildren, Tenley Jo and Mia. Joe was born on St. Valentine's Day, February 14, 1932. He was a graduate of Elder High School and Xavier University. Joe served in the United States Army 96th Field Artillery Battalion in Korea, 1952 - 1953. He was a 30 year employee of 3M Company. Joe was an epic story teller - one of Twainsian proportions. While his sharp mind may have dulled in his later years, he was always able to command a room and deliver detailed narratives and zingy one-liners. Joe left behind a trove of rich characters and stories that will forever be embedded in our memories. Were they all real? We may never know, but he breathed life into them all. So, as we celebrate the memory of Joe, let's also celebrate his memories as he rounds third and heads for home. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, S.D. or Minnesota Special Olympics. A Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 AM on Friday, August 7th at the Church of St. John the Baptist, 835 Second Ave. N.W., New Brighton. Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Washburn-McReavy.com Coon Rapids Chapel 763-767-1000