Leonard J. Owsley.(1929-2021)

OWSLEY, RATTERMAN, DIDESCH

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 3/22/2021 at 08:24:26

Leonard J. “Lenny” Owsley, 92, of Dubuque, IA passed away on September 9, 2020 at UnityPoint Health, Finley Hospital.

Private family graveside service with military honors accorded by the American Legion Post #6 will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting the family.

Leonard was born on March 5, 1928 in Oak Park, IL; the son of Melvin and Gertrude (Ratterman) Owsley. He attended St. Edmunds Grammar School in Oak Park and Oak Park & River Forest High School. After graduating in 1946 he moved to Dubuque and started work at the new John Deere Dubuque Works as a machine operator.

From 1950 to 1953 he served during the Korean War, he served with the rank of Corporal in the Army, with the 407th Combat Engineer Battalion. He returned to John Deere after he was honorably discharged and worked as an engineering analyst in Manufacturing until he retired in 1982.

He married Dolores M. Didesch on September 21, 1965 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. They shared 55 happy years together. Leonard was an avid Chicago Cubs and Bear fan. He and Dee enjoyed boating, photography, golfing, and old cars. They were members of the Tri-State Old Cars Club for many years and Leonard was also a member of the American Legion Post #6, John Deere Supervisors Club, Hawkeye Motorcycle Club and John Deere Retiree Association.

Leonard is survived by his wife Dolores; sister-in-law Gladys Didesch, of Dubuque; his niece Debra (Glen) Schumock and their children Collin, Grant and Ava all of Geneva, IL. His nephew Alan (Laurie) Didesch, of Northbrook, IL; cousins Marsha (David) Armour and Nancy Hutton of Ringgold, GA.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother-in-law Al Didesch.

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