David Elvin Leonard passed away on Thursday, December 7th at Westmont Care Facility in Logan, IA. His final days were comforting and amongst family and friends; his passing was serene and accompanied by the jazz and classical music he so greatly enjoyed.
David was born on November 10th, 1935 in the home of his parents, Elvin and Irene Leonard, on their farm outside of Holstein, IA, the oldest of their six children. He attended Holstein High School, served in the US Army, studied at Morningside College in Sioux City, IA, Columbia University in New York and received a Master’s degree from the University of Missouri. In 1967, he married Betty Danfield with whom he would have four children. In 1977 they would move to an acreage outside of Mondamin, IA where he would live until his death.
In 1969, David began working at Richard Young Hospital in Omaha, NE and would retire over thirty years later as Director of Psychological Services. In his retirement, he would continue doing detailed research on areas of his interest, win medals running 5 and 10K races and be a patron of local arts, culture and conservation efforts. He had devoted a significant portion of his land to natural prairie restoration and served as Treasurer for Town and Country Arts, a nonprofit in Modale, IA.
David was preceded in death by his parents, Elvin and Irene Leonard.
He is survived by his four children: Lisa, Holly, Brian and Aaron Leonard, his five siblings and their families: sisters Christine Weiss and Irene Richardson, brothers John, Gary and Kurt Leonard, his grandchild Vann Fulfs, his former wife Betty Leonard and his beloved companion, Linda Kautzman.
A viewing with veteran’s tribute will be held on Friday, December 15th from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Hennessey Funeral Home in Missouri Valley, IA. David has requested cremation and a later celebration of his life will be held in Summer 2018 at Town and Country Arts for family and friends that will be unable to attend Friday’s event.
In honor of David’s passions and efforts, his family requests that in lieu of flowers, a donation could instead be made to either the Harrison County Conservation Board or Town and Country Arts.
Military Honors will be conducted by Julius F. Muller American Legion Post #337.
5 Comments
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of David. He was a great guy and I was proud to be his cousin!
I miss my dad so much. Hugs and love to my sister & brothers & mom & aunties & uncles & his countless friends.
My thoughts and prayers go out to David’s family for Peace at this difficult time. I was blessed to have been his “next door” neighbor and friend for the past 15 years. I’ll always remember how nice Dave always was to me and how he would come over to my place at the drop of a hat and help me when I needed that extra set of hands (as I live here alone). I also recall all the times I would ride by his house on my horse, and how we would visit on so many of those occasions and talk about our love of nature and the land. He was always so friendly and kind every time I would see him. I will so much miss his presence around here as my closest nearby neighbor, good friend and the fella I will always remember as “Gentle Dave”. May you find Peace in Paradise my ‘Ol Friend. God Bless You.
My sincere condolences .What a great guy! Very intelligent. We were best friends in high school and didn’t get into too much trouble together.
Much love to you all during this sad time. You’re in my thoughts.
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