Leland Lillebeck, son of Kristian and Anine Jensen Kaltoft, was born October 2, 1921, at Kimballton, IA. He was baptized and confirmed in the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Kimballton where he was a lifelong member. Danish was his first language. He attended school in Kimballton until the 10^th grade and graduated from Audubon High School. Leland learned bricklaying and masonry skills from his father at a very early age and all types of construction were a part of his entire life. He and his brother LaVerne were in the construction business together for a number of years, employing many young people in the community.

   Leland attended Grandview College in Des Moines, IA. During WW II Leland served in the United States Army, receiving an honorable discharge in 1943. He graduated from St. Louis School of Mortuary Science, St. Louis, MO, in 1946; prior to and following school he worked several years with John E. Jensen in the funeral business in Kimballton.

   On September 7, 1946, Leland was united in marriage with Helen Josephine Mills in the First Baptist Church in Kirksville, MO. They made their home in Kimballton and raised their three children there. In 1962 Helen Jo and Leland began the Kaltoft Funeral Home and Kaltoft Ambulance Service. They were both very dedicated to these services until the funeral home was sold in 1993. Later that same year Helen Jo died. Leland never stopped working and was always there to help a friend or neighbor. Leland enjoyed nature and especially appreciated raptors and large birds.

   Leland was a past member of the Kimballton Independent School District school board, member of the Kimballton Fire Department for many years, charter and current member of the Harry Albertsen AMVETS Post #51 and lifetime member of over 50 years in the Veritas Masonic Lodge #392. He recently received the distinguished honor of 60 years of membership in the Iowa Funeral Directors Association. Leland was instrumental in the design and construction of the 1968 addition to his church, as well as, the 1988 redesign of the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery.