Longtime Libby resident Leon A. Wuest, 76, died Friday, Oct. 5, 2001, at his home. He was born on Feb. 14, 1925, at Libby, to Arnold and Bertha Downing Wuest. He grew up at Libby, attending Libby schools. Leon worked for the Zonelite Company for several years after high school and in June 1943 he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served in the European Theater, fighting in the Battle of the Bulge. After his honorable discharge in January 1946, Leon returned to Libby to work again for Zonelite. On March 17, 1946, Leon married Grace Olson of Libby. In 1951 he started working for J. Neils Lumber Company, working for both St. Regis and Champion before retiring in 1986. Leon enjoyed horses, rodeos, hunting and gardening. He was preceded in death by his wife Grace. Survivors include brother Walt Wuest, Libby; sister Betty Pollard, Spokane; nieces Pauly Churchill, Spokane, and Penny VanDort, Kalispell; nephews Wally Wuest, Salem, Ore., and Tim Noble, Libby, and an uncle, Cal Downing. A celebration of Leon's life will take place at the American Legion Hall from 2:30-4:30 p.m. on Friday.