Leon Vanderfeltz remembered fondly by school community

Leon Vanderfeltz leads the cheer during a Helias homecoming pep rally on the steps of the state capital in 2009. Vanderfeltz passed away Monday at age 79.
Leon Vanderfeltz leads the cheer during a Helias homecoming pep rally on the steps of the state capital in 2009. Vanderfeltz passed away Monday at age 79.

It was sweet as church music to some. To others, it meant their opponent had either done something great or was being prodded toward it.

Either way, there was no mistaking who was leading the cheer.

"H-E-L"-"I-A-S"

But the bellowing voice has gone silent. "Mr. Helias" Leon Vanderfeltz, 79, passed away Monday night.

"Other people have tried to start it on the occasions Leon wasn't there, but it's not the same," Helias dean of students Stan Ochsner said. "There's not the same reaction.

"It's like it's Leon's deal and nobody else should do it."

See also:

Leon Vanderfeltz obituary and memorial comments

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