Leo Francis Marnell
The Western News | UPDATED 1 month, 1 week AGO
Leo Francis Marnell was born June 16, 1941.
He grew up in San Diego, California and was a graduate of Hoover High School, Class of 1959, and San Diego State College, where he earned his master’s degree.
He loved the outdoors and was determined to make his career working in that environment. He moved to Fort Collins, Colorado where he attended Fort Collins University, here he could pursue his goal. His major was in Ichthyology (the study of fish behavior including their evolution, life cycle and interaction with their environment).
While he was going to college he spent his summers working as a fishing guide at Yellowstone National Park. In his off hours Leo played in a band with three other band members (which loved performing for the locals) and he was also able to do most of the research at Yellowstone Lake for his college thesis. He earned his PhD at Fort Collins University and soon secured a position at the Ozark National Scenic Riverways.
His job there was to determine the reason for the decline in fish life in their rivers. When his work there was finished, he transferred to Glacier National Park where he continued his career working as the park’s aquatic scientist. When he retired from Glacier National Park, he took up residence in Libby, Montana.
While visiting San Diego he attended his 50th high school reunion. As luck would have it, he ran into Loretta Brown, the girl he had a massive crush on during his three years at Hoover, but was too shy to approach and tell her how he felt. He finally got up the courage and told her.
Her response was “Why the heck didn’t you say something 50 years ago? Well, better late than never. Leo and Loretta, the girl of his dreams, were married a short time later. He lived out the rest of his days in Libby with his wife Loretta. They would get to together with a group of their friends every day at Rosauers or 4 B's to have coffee, food and a good visit.
Leo passed away on Oct. 10, 2025. He is survived by his wife Loretta and his brother Dennis. Leo had many friends and will be dearly missed by all that had the privilege of knowing him.
Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg Funeral Home of Libby, Montana. Online condolences may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.