Leonard, William F.1853-1934

LEONARD, CARTER, DINAN, ROTHMEYER, WHITTLE, OBRIEN

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 7/12/2021 at 19:16:56

Clayton County Register, Thur., 15 Feb. 1934.

Wm. F. Leoard died yesterday morning at ten o'clock at the home of his son, Michael, in Cox Creek, at the age of 81 years.

Funeral services will be held in St. Joseph's church here, Saturday forenoon at 10:30, with the Rev. J. P. Taken officiating.

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Clayton County Register, Thur., 22 Feb. 1934.

On Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. the funeral of the late William Leonard was held from the family residence near Mederville, Iowa, to St. Joseph's Catholic church in Elkader. Solemn requiem Mass was celebrated by Father Taken who delivered a most fitting and eloquent eulogy.

William Leonard was born at Fall River, Mass., June 24, 1853. He came to Mederville, Iowa, when a youth and remained in this community until his death on Feb. 14, 1934. Mr. Leonard reached the age of 80 years, 8 months and 21 days. He was well known throughout the community and was a true friend to all whom he knew. He was a member of the Forester Lodge No. 462, and also a member of the Rosary society. The former organization attended the funeral in a body.

He was married to Miss Mary Carter and to this union three children were born. Two daughters, Mrs. Lawrence Dinan of Littleport and Mrs. Charles Rothmeyer of Monona, and one son Michael, on the homestead. His wife preceded him in death in March 1885.

Two sisters, Mrs. James Dinan of Elkader and Mrs. H. K. Whittle of Nassau, Minn., and one brother, Mr. Richard Leonard of Elkader, also survive as do nine grandchildren. One sister, Julia O'Brien, preceded him in death.

His good and virtuous life was his daily preparation for death and he feared it not, so great was his love for God, always trusting in His mercy and perfectly resigned to His Holy Will.

The beloved departed one was a member of the Catholic church all his life and died in that faith loving the church and its teachings and being one of its most devout worshipers. The family, the church and the community have all suffered a distinct loss.

The pall-bearers were: A. B. Albrecht, John Whittle, Chris Walker, W. G. Bente, Pat Downey and Barney Muench.