Obituary - Leroy Olyn Wolery

Leroy Olyn Wolery was born Feb. 29, 1940, in Havre, Montana, to Olyn and Bernece Wolery. He passed away March 9, 2015, at his home in Great Falls,with his loving family by his side.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, March 17, 2015, at 11 a.m., at Northwest Family Fellowship Church, 300 23rd Ave. NE, Great Falls, MT 59404.

His love of horses began at an early age on the farm. He rode a horse to elementary school at Grassy Butte, and as they grew older, Leroy and his brother Sterling would occasionally take a horse-drawn buggy to school. Later in life, his team of Percheron horses pulled a wagon and sleigh for free hayrides from Chester to Havre for "kids of all ages" to highlight town celebrations and Christmas strolls.

In 1960 he completed auctioneering school and embarked on a career that spanned half a century. Over the course of those 50 years, Leroy became known as the "auctioneer extraordinaire," having held more than 150 farm and business sales along with many benefit auctions for both individuals and organizations in need.

On June 7, 1962, Leroy married Marilyn Grimes of Gildford, Montana, and together they raised their three sons; Craig, Darwin and Derek. While raising three sons and performing as an auctioneer, Leroy also farmed and ranched outside the communities of Joplin and Gildford.

Leroy was always busy with a project or a pastime and spent many of his days attending rodeos, repairing and fabricating with metals and engaging in carpentry. He always built his projects so that they would endure the test of time. Just like his projects, Leroy's personality was "extra stout." He was known for animating his boisterous talks by gesturing with his hands and punctuating each point. One could always tell if Leroy was in a crowded room, because his voice and his laugh carried above the din. His enthusiasm for both storytelling and people were infectious and a boon to all around.

He was a generous man with a great sense of humor. Leroy's generosity and positive approach to living carried over not only into his friendships or frequent discussions with strangers, but also into his personal life at home and with those he loved. Sundays were dedicated to family and were generally spent on short day trips, meals out and lutefisk dinners. Upon retirement, Leroy purchased a Honda motorcycle, which he thoroughly enjoyed and racked up nearly 50,000 miles taking long trips with his son Craig and all his  Hi-Line friends.  

Leroy is survived by his wife, Marilyn Worley of Great Falls; sons, Craig and Darwin Worley, both of Great Falls, and Derek Worley of Seattle, Washington; brother, Merlin (Patricia) of Rudyard; sister, Coleen (Ron) Vestal of Billings; sister-in-law, Betty Ann Wolery of Joplin; and special friends Joe and Trudy Levesey of Great Falls. He is preceded in death by his parents, Olyn and Bernice Wolery; and by his brother, Sterling of Joplin.  

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made to a charity of the donors' choice. Condolences may be shared with the family at w