"To Aunt Eleanor, Judy, Leonard and Jim: I will miss Uncle Leonard and will never forget his kindnesses to Mom and Dad. He didn't ask for much save the love of his family. "
In loving memory of
Leonard M. Clark
January 6, 1920 - February 6, 2016
Leonard M. Clark, 96, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Saturday evening, February 6, 2016, at the Jackson County Regional Health Center in Maquoketa.
A memorial service celebrating Leonard's life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Saturday, February 13, 2016 from the First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa. There is no visitation and burial will be at a later date at St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, St. Donatus, Iowa.
Leonard M. Clark was born on January 6, 1920 in Jackson County, Iowa, to Merlin Richard and Nora Belle (Rannals) Clark. He was a World War II veteran of the Army serving from February 3, 1942 until receiving an honorable discharge with the rank of Staff Sergeant on August 28, 1945. For his service to his country, he received the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two Bronze Stars and the Combat Infantryman Badge. He married Eleanor Schoop on September 28, 1941 in St. Donatus, Iowa. To this union three children were born: Judith, Leonard Jr. and James.
Leonard had farmed in the LaMotte for many years, moving to Maquoketa in 1974, and retiring in 1977.
He was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa, Iowa Road Runners Camping Club and Maquoketa American Legion Post #75. In addition to his memberships, he enjoyed traveling and woodworking.
Those left to honor Leonard's memory include his wife Eleanor Clark of Maquoketa, IA; children, Judy Keeney of Orlando, FL, Leonard (Patricia) Clark Jr. of Clear Lake, IA, and James (Patricia) Clark of Medford, WI; 9 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren; 2 step-grandchildren, 3 step-great-grandchildren; sisters, Norma (Glen) Bormann of LaMotte, IA, and Betty Deppe of Loveland, CO; and an honorary son, George "Skip" (Linda) Pickup of Maquoketa, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Denzil Clark Sr., a step-grandchild, and 2 sisters Donna Durkop and Mona Neiman.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Leonard M. Clark memorial fund has been established.
The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family and online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.
Tributes
"We were on the Panama cruise with Lenny & Pat when they got word of Leonard's passing. We are golfing friends from Iowa who winter here in Arizona with them. We will hold all of the family close to our hearts as you celebrate the life of this good man."
"Just wanted to say to your family that we are friends with Patricia and Len, in Clear Lake, Ia, and how much they Len loved his Father and told us about him and their lives. We send our sympathies to all the family. "
"Sincere condolences to Eleanor, Judy, Leonard, and Jim, Cindy, Sandy, Julie, Joni and the rest of the family. "
"Oh the stories Uncle Leonard could tell! What a wonderful loving, kind, talented, funny man! From the time I was a little girl to now he holds a special place in my heart! So many wonderful memories! I fill honored to have known and loved him! He loved unconditionally and always had a lap to sit in and a hug! As of late, rides to look at farms were very special! Loving husband, Father, Uncle and friend! There is lots of card playing going on in heaven with my folks and those before him! Rest in peace Uncle! I love you!!"
"I have so many fond memories of Leonard. He was very dear to the Pickup family, and we were honored that his family shared him with us. Leonard was the strong, handy man of the Butternut neighborhood. He shared his woodworking skills by making so many projects for all of us, like shelves, quilt stands, tables, benches, etc. I remember running down our hill to his garage, and he was always creating something. I will always remember when he taught me how to drive his red truck, and he took me to the Cardinal School parking lot to practice. Mom (Shirley) said that I asked him to take me driving way too much, but he never said no. He used to let me bring my dolls into his camper, and I would play house for hours. He and Eleanor would even let me set up my Barbies on their front porch. Cards...we played cards a lot, and he would usually let me win. �?� May he be at peace now and connect with other angels from Butternut Street! I will forever cherish my memories of Leonard. "
"I got to visit with Leonard and Eleanor (along with Dad, Donna and Cheri) last Easter before they moved out of their house. He was full of stories and lots of smiles. So glad we got to visit. He was always a bright spot full of vigor at the Schoop reunions. I still have his John Deere mailbox up."
"I have known Leonard all my life of 74 years. This man was the most heroic man serving his country in world war II fighting for our freedom and liberty. He faced some of the most terrible tragi ties known to man and escaped death. He was a very respected man. Caring for his family and community.by his own hands and a encouraging wife. This man has earned a salute from every American who enjoys life to the fullest. May God rest his soul, and give him the highest seat in heaven. I am glad I took the time every year when I visited Iowa to go and visit Leonard and Ellinor. I will miss our yearly visit and playing euchre with them. I extend my deepest sympathy to the whole Clark family and give a salute to the man who put his life on the line for America. What a great man he was."
"I am sorry for his family and friends' loss. I apologize for asking for information during this time of loss. I am a descendant of Thomas "Tom" Rannals & Anna Barkley. Their daughter, Nettie Eliza Rannals Massey, was my maternal grandmother. I am looking for Tom's parents. He was fostered by John Waddle and his wife, Eliza (Campbell). If anyone knows info on his side, I would love the family info. Nettie married my Grandfather, Elman Russell Masscey. Their son, Carl E. Massey, will be 91 years old in April. Thank you and forgive me for seeking info. May you all find comfort from your loss. Mary Lou"