- Date Of Birth: May 15, 1925
- Date Of Death: October 7, 2014
- State: Illinois
Leo Joseph “Ike” Rublaitus, 89, of Piety Hill, died peacefully Tuesday, October 7, 2014, at Manor Court in Peru. Leo was born May 15, 1925, in Seatonville to John and Anna Rublaitus. Leo was one of 10 siblings, John, Carl, Anton, Raymond, William, Benjamin, and Leo’s twin brother, LaVerne “Mike”. Leo also had two sisters, Della and Rosella.
Leo was a World War II Army Sergeant stationed in the Philippine Islands. He was awarded the Soldiers Medal for bravery. Upon hearing cries for help and seeing a man struggling in the water, Leo, without regard for his own safety, dove into the treacherous tidal current. He swam to the drowning man and brought him safely to shore. Leo married Marian Alberta Cudlip on June 7, 1952, in Ottawa. Leo and Marian made their home on Piety Hill where they raised three children. Leo was employed and retired from Libby Owens Ford in Ottawa. Leo was a member of Holy Family Church in Oglesby. He was devoted to his faith and enjoyed reading the Bible.
Leo is survived by his son, Dan (Cindy) Rublaitus of Brighton and two daughters, Jayne (Kevin) Kmitta of Belleville and Janet (David) Forbes of McNabb; seven grandchildren, Deanna, Jason and Ryan Rublaitus, Kris Kmitta, Jessica (Kmitta) Mereau, Kayla (Kmitta) Cabrera and Devin Forbes; six great-grandchildren and his twin brother, LaVerne “Mike” Rublaitus of Ottawa.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Marian on May 22, 2010; six brothers and two sisters. Pallbearers will be Kris Kmitta, Devin Forbes, Kevin Kmitta, Ryan Rublaitus, Jason Rublaitus, and Olivier Mereau.
