"Rick and family, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your Father. Sending prayers."
In loving memory of
Leland T. Rector
February 15, 1934 - May 9, 2020
LELAND RECTOR
MUSCATINE, Iowa - Leland T. Rector, 86, died peacefully May 9, 2020 at Lutheran Living, Muscatine.
Private graveside ceremonies will be held by the family. Burial will be in Drury-Reynolds Cemetery, Rock Island County, Ill. Memorials may be made to Lutheran Living or a favorite charity. The Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online Condolences: www.wittichfuneralhome.com
Leland was born Feb. 15, 1934 to Lonas and Jeanette Rector. He was a life-long resident of the area, growing up in Drury Township, Ill., before moving to Muscatine. He married Rosie J. Coulter on Feb. 26, 1955 in Muscatine. She died in 2006.
Leland proudly served the city of Muscatine on the Muscatine Fire Department beginning as a firefighter in 1956 and retiring in 1989 as an assistant chief. During this time he also worked as a mechanic at Hawk Motors and Ken's Service Center, both in Muscatine.
Leland was a "car guy" who enjoyed working on cars and watching any form of auto racing.
He also was a motorcycle enthusiast. He and Rosie crisscrossed the United States on his BMW. Their motorcycling adventures led them to all 48 continuous United States and parts of Canada.
Leland also enjoyed dancing at the Moose Lodge in Muscatine where he was a member for many years.
He is preceded in death by his wife, parents, and a sister, Thelma.
Leland is survived by his children, Richard and wife, Sue, of Davenport, James and his wife, Audrey, of Chesapeake, Va., and Susan and husband, Craig Steffen, of Muscatine; grandchildren Chris (Janna) Werner, Emily (Tristen) Lechelt, Rick (Kristen) Rector, Adam (Stacy) Rector, Eric Rector (Elizabeth), Sam (Amanda) Rector, Rachael (Ben) Camron, Jacob Steffen, Andrew (Mary) Steffen, John Steffen, Alex (Lauren) Steffen, 14 great-grandchildren, and special friend Norma Bauchamp of Kalona, Iowa.
Tributes
"Very sad to hear of Leland's passing. I worked with Red for quite a few years before he retired from the Fire Department and learned so much from him about firefighting, leadership and command presence. Most I remember his coolness under fire. His support helped launch several careers. Although I left the MFD in '94, I have thought about him often. His family may take some comfort in knowing that Leland made a difference in those whose lives he touched. Tom Marthaler Asst. Chief (ret.) Blue Springs, MO "
"Sending my thoughts and prayers to your entire family. Keep the good memories as his legacy and know that he is comfortable now and watching over you. God Bless. -Heather Hufford"
"So sorry to hear of Leland?s passing, my prayers and condolences to all his family . Chris Koehler "
"Susan and Craig, we are so sorry for your loss, all of the family are in our thoughts and prayers."