In Loving Memory of

Leon Bernard Fuemmeler

Leon Fuemmeler passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family and prayers on January 4th, 2025. He lived a life of 92 years filled with compassion, adventure and unwavering faith. He is survived by his wife Marie with whom he shared 53 years of marriage, four children,  and four grandchildren: Bernard (wife Emily and two children Adelina and Frank), Renee (husband Bill and two children Zachary and Logan), Joseph (wife Davena), and Matthew (wife Navi). He is also survived by his younger brother Raymond (wife Sheryl) and a sister Bernice.

Leon was born on May 31, 1932 in Glasgow, Missouri into a family of 11 siblings.  At the age of 17, Leon entered the Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri to study for the priesthood. He was ordained in 1958 for the Dioceses of Jefferson City. He served in a parish in Hannibal, Missouri for 4 years. Afterwards, he served 7 years in Peru, South America where he learned Spanish, traveled, and provided spiritual guidance in rural communities.  He eventually felt the calling to become a husband and father.  He requested and was granted a dispensation from the Priesthood and returned to the US to teach and touch the lives of so many here.

In 1969, he moved to New Mexico to begin a career in the Bernalillo Public School system. He was an admired educator by his colleagues and students. In his 25-year career he served many roles, including that of teacher, school counselor, and principal. He met his wife Marie while they were young teachers in the public school system.  After his retirement from the public schools, he joined Marie at the Montessori of the Rio Grande – a private school they owned and operated for over 25 years. Upon their retirement, they founded the school as the first chartered public Montessori school in New Mexico.

As a loving and devoted husband and father, Leon shared adventures with his family like hiking the Grand Canyon, swimming in the cenotes of Mexico and traveling to the Holy Land and Italy.  He loved being outside and fixing anything he could.  He was kind, gentle, generous, loving and loyal.  He was a compassionate listener, and had a clever sense of humor.

Leon was an active member of his church community, Our Lady of Guadalupe, where he facilitated bible study and led many ministries. One of these ministries was the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). To this ministry, Leon gave so much of his time, talent, and wisdom and will be missed by so many of these parishioners. He was also an Adoration, Community, Theology, and Service (ACTS) spiritual director for multiple retreats. To the Albuquerque community, he served on the boards of Keep New Mexico Beautiful and Meals on Wheels.

Leon was a compassionate, loving soul and cherished by many. He was an educator throughout his life and taught all he encountered how to live a meaningful life of service, faith and love.

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Pray that his soul may rest in peace with the Lord.

Services for Leon will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. The viewing will begin at 10:00 am followed by a Rosary at 10:30 am. The Mass will begin at 11:00 followed by a reception at the Parish Hall at 12:00 pm.  The burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery at 2:00 with the procession beginning at 1:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Our Lady of Guadalupe or the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center.