Francis "Leroy" Southerland, 77, of West Burlington, passed away peacefully at 10:10 AM Friday, November 17, 2017, at his home surrounded by his family.
Born April 27, 1940, in Burlington, he was the son of Raymond Charles and Constance Velma Marsh Southerland. On December 11, 1960, he married Edith Marie Fisher at the West Burlington Methodist Church.
Leroy worked for Cutler Engineering in Joliet, IL for approximately seven years, before moving back to the Burlington area in 1966. He then started at J.I. Case in 1966 until his retirement in 1992.
He loved the outdoors, mushrooming, hunting pheasants, quail, duck, and deer. He especially loved fishing, with his fishing Buddy, of 40 years, Tom Martin. They enjoyed fishing tournaments, which they won many of. He especially loved walleye fishing. In the early 70's, he drove a Hobby Stock Car, #51 at 34 Raceway. Leroy, his wife, and friend would often take trips on his Honda Goldwing. He was a jack of all trades and could fix anything.
Survivors include wife of 56 years, one daughter, Robin (Billie) Garr of Burlington; four grandchildren, Bradley, Tyler (Ashley), Samantha (Seth), and...[more]
Christian; five step-grandchildren; two great-grandsons, Liam Roy; and Silas; three great-step-grandsons; two sisters, Helen Reynolds and Rose York both of Burlington, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Charles R. Southerland; four sisters, Dorothy, Margaret, June, and Mary.
The family will receive friends from noon until 2:00 PM Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home.
The funeral service for Mr. Southerland will be 2:00 PM Tuesday, November 21, 2017, at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home with Chaplain Randy Gearhart officiating.
Cremation will be entrusted to the care of Prugh~Thielen Crematory.
A memorial has been established to Great River Hospice.
The family would like to give a special thanks to the Hospice Nurses for everything they have done.
There's still time to send flowers to the Family Receive Friends at the Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM on November 21, 2017.
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