Rooney Family Tree

Leo never married. He lived and worked on the same farm in Raymond Township all his life. He died at the age 75 while cutting wood in a grove on the farm that his grandparents settled on May 1, 1868 and later homesteaded, two miles south of Padua.

Obituary, originally published St. Cloud Times, 26 Feb 1985:

Leo Rooney

PADUA - Funeral Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Anthony's Catholic Church for Leo A. Rooney, 72, who died Saturday at his home.

The Rev. Vincent Santo will officiate. Burial will be in the parish cemetery.

Friends may call after 3:30 p.m. today at Schad Funeral Home, Sauk Centre. Parish prayers will be at 8 tonight at the funeral home in Sauk Centre followed by Holy Name Society at 8:30.

Mr. Rooney was born May 10, 1912, in Padua to the late William and Helena (Riedel) Rooney. He farmed in the Padua area ll his life and was a member of St. Anthony's Parish of Padua and Holy Name Society.

Survivors include brothers and sisters, Walter, Brooten; Leonard, Sedan; Mrs. Mary Ahles, St. Cloud; Mrs. Agnes Steinhoff, Shelby, Mont.; and Mrs. Andew (Marvel) Majerus, Portland, Ore.

He was preceded in death by brothers Edmund, Joseph, Felix, Emmett, Robert and Howard.

Originally published August 1998, Padua Cemetery, by Ginny Walz Borgerding

Leo Rooney was the son of William and Helena (Riedel) Rooney. He was the eight child of twelve children. Leo, along with his brother, Howard, lived and worked the family farm with their mother. Eventually they took it over in her later years.

Leo and Howard first raised short horn cattle and sheep. Later they raised Charolais and then Simmental cattle. They continuously tried to improve their herd.

Leo was the chore man. He stayed up in the yard, feeding and caring for the cattle. Leo knew his cows and the cows knew Leo. When they had sheep, Leo, was the one who cared for them. Leo also stepped in to take over the household chores when their mother was no longer able to do them.

Though Leo and Howard never married, they were both there for their nieces and nephews. They were there to listen, to help, and to guide.

After a long day of work, Leo and Howard enjoyed a beer or two and played a game of cards. Solo was the game.

The horseshoe cloverleaf, the grave marker for Leo, was made by his nephew, David Rooney. The horseshoes were purchased at Leo and Howard's farm auction. They were made into a shamrock to show both Leo and Howard's Irish heritage, which they were very proud of. Leo died of a heart attack and is buried by his parents, and brothers Howard and Edmund. His grandparents John and Mary Rooney and great grandmother Catharine Rooney, and many other relatives are buried in Padua.