Leo Storla

Wednesday, July 15, 2015 4:50 pm

Leo Storla, 75, of Decorah, died Friday, June 19, 2015, at the Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah. Services were at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 24, at Decorah Lutheran Church in Decorah, with Rev. Dave Sorenson officiating. Organist was Kathy Murray. Soloists were Lauren Williams (“Amazing Grace”) and Hub Christen (“Behold the Host”). Special music was provided by Helen Wesselman, Gary Halverson and Annie Rude. Hymns were “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” “Old Rugged Cross” and “Battle ymn of the Republic.” Honorary casket bearers were all of Leo’s nephews and friends. Casket bearers were Michael Kozelka, Andrew Kozelka, Troy Storla, Clay Storla, Dave Reicks and Terry Williams. Military rites were by Decorah military groups. Interment was at Union Prairie Cemetery in Decorah. Arrangements were handled by Schluter – Balik Funeral Home in Decorah.
Leo Sherman Storla was born July 7, 1939, in Decorah, to Theodore and Lillian (Solem) Storla. Leo attended the Hamre Country School and graduated from Calmar High School in 1957. Leo then served four years in the United States Air Force. After returning home he married Betty Vick July 16, 1962, at Decorah Lutheran Church. He worked at Bucheit Produce in Calmar, was a deputy sheriff for Winneshiek County and worked 34 years at DECO Products, retiring in 1999. Leo enjoyed country music, playing guitar with the Pontoppidan Jammers and playing at area nursing homes. He also enjoyed riding his motorcycle, hunting, doing crossword puzzles, watching westerns and comedies on TV, and a good cup of coffee. Leo was an active member of Decorah Lutheran Church.
Leo is survived by his wife, Betty Storla, Decorah; one daughter, Faye Kozelka (special friend, Dave Reicks) Decorah; two sons, Clay Storla, Decorah and Troy Storla, Castalia; four grandchildren: Michael (Sarah) Kozelka, Andrew, Kylie and Alissa Kozelka; one great-grandson, Gabriel George Kozelka; sister, Lorraine Williams, Cedar Falls; two sisters-in-law, Patsy Storla, Calmar and Marlene Huffman, Charles City.  
Leo was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Lillian (Solem) Storla; son-in-law, George Kozelka; two brothers, Lorris (Faye) Storla and Lauren Storla; sister-in-law, Mary Brandt; father- and mother-in-law, Melvin and Bernice (Reierson) Vick.