Mr. Raphael Michael Leary

Leary, Raphael M., age 84, of Wind Lake, passed away on July 14, 2017 while visiting family in Minnesota. He was born in Stevens Point, WI on May 7, 1933, the son of the late Hugh and Margaret (nee. Doyle) Leary. He spent his early life near Amhurst Junction where he graduated high school in 1952. Raphael enlisted in the United States Air Force, proudly serving his country for four years during the Korean War. During his service, he was called to action when a fuel truck caught fire while fueling an airplane. Raphael rescued the driver of that fuel truck to safety. He received the "Soldiers Medal", the highest non-combat medal available for his heroic efforts that day. Upon returning to the United States, he met Dena M. Haglund and the couple was married June 7, 1958 in St. Mary’s Church in Norway, Michigan. Raphael was a carpenter foreman, working for Gateway Erectors of Mequon, WI, where he had retired. He was a huge sports fan, especially of the Packers and Brewers. Raphael coached little league baseball and pony league in the Wind Lake area along with helping with basketball in the Lakeview School summer recreation program. His greatest joy of all was his family. Raphael will be sadly missed by his wife, their children and grandchildren.
Raphael is survived by his wife Dena, two children: Diane (Steve) Hotkowski and Dan (Maria) Leary; three grandchildren: Katharine, Ian and Thomas Leary; many brothers and sisters, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents and one son: Sean Patrick.
Visitation with family and Irish wake will be held Thursday evening, July 20, 2017 from 6-8 PM in the Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held FRIDAY morning, July 21, 2017 at 10:30 AM at St. Clare Catholic Church, 7616 Fritz Street, Wind Lake, WI 53185. Burial will follow services at St. Thomas Aquinas Cemetery in Waterford.
Mealy Funeral Home
225 West Main Street
Waterford, Wisconsin 53185
262-534-2233
www.mealyfuneralhome.com