Leonard Henry Adams 1921-2015

ADAMS, WITTMAN, BLUME

Posted By: Cheryl Locher Moonen (email)
Date: 12/26/2015 at 22:31:35

GUTTENBERG, Iowa - Leonard Henry Adams, husband of Arleen Adams, of Houston, formerly of Guttenberg, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 20, 2015, in Houston, Texas, at the age of 93. Leonard was born in Turkey River, Iowa, on June 19, 1921, son of Peter and Mary Adams. He grew up on his family farm and received an Associate's Degree from Elkader Junior College. In 1942, he entered the Air Force to serve his country in World War II and was stationed in Goose Bay, Labrador. He was one of thousands of young officers to be in Times Square, New York, for the celebration of the end of World War II.

Upon his return from the war, he married Arleen Wittman on December 27, 1945. They started their life together while he attended Loras College in Dubuque and received his B.S. degree in education. The couple then moved to Ames, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Iowa State University and earned his Private Pilot's license as well. He then worked for Massey Harris for 5 years, designing farm tractors. After moving to Rockford, Illinois, he worked for Twin Disc as a mechanical engineer for 30 years. As a design engineer for Twin Disc, he traveled extensively throughout the United States, Europe, Japan, England, Australia and Canada, inspiring his family to explore the world as well.

In 1968, he obtained his commercial pilot's license and flew all over the U.S. as a hobby. He held many positions in the Society of Automotive Engineers and the Blackhawk Flying Club and was honored with the SAE award of distinction for 30 years of volunteer service.

His patient, loving nature will always be an inspiration to all, as well as his work ethic and strong commitment to his family as a loving husband, father and grandfather. Left behind to remember him and continue his legacy are: his loving wife, Arleen and daughter Nancy Adams Blume with son-in-law Jerry Blume, daughter LuAnn Adams Turley with son-in-law Wendal Turley. He is also survived and held in loving memory by his four grandchildren: Nicole Adams Blume, Clare Adams Blume, Elyse Adams Turley with fiance, Joshua Weed, and Grace Adams Turley.

Arrangements are being handled by Tuecke-Allyn Funeral Home, of Guttenberg, Iowa. The family will greet friends from 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. at the Linwood Cemetery in the Mueller Memorial Chapel at 2735 Windsor Ave., Dubuque, Iowa, on Friday, May 29, 2015. Funeral Service will follow at 2:00 P.M., with Military Rites following the service.

Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Wednesday, May 27, 2015