RAYHONS, Leonard J. (1922-2004)

RAYHONS, WELLIK, TLACH, UPMEYER, CATALDO, FOLLMANN, REIS, MEINTS, RAPP, EMBERTSON, BAKER, OLDHAM, PLETCHER

Posted By: Hancock Co Genealogical Society (email)
Date: 3/11/2016 at 13:01:00

Leonard Rayhons, 1922-2004

August 25, 2004

Leonard J. Rayhons, 82, of Garner, died on Sunday, August 15, 2004, at his rural home.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, August 19, at the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Garner, with the Rev. Michael Schueller officiating. Lector was Shane Upmeyer. Music was provided by organist, Carolyn Kumsher who accompanied the church choir. Ushers were Bob Kral and Lawrence Engstler.

Honorary bearers were the Garner Lions Club and spouses. Casket bearers were Corey Upmeyer, Shane Upmeyer, Brian Cataldo, Brian Follmann, Jason Reis, Bob Malek, Scott Rayhons and Randy Rayhons. Burial was at the St. John's Catholic Cemetery, Duncan, with military rites by the Garner Veterans Ceremonial Unit. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Leonard John Rayhons, the son of John and Beatta (Wellik) Rayhons, was born on February 28, 1922 at Garner. He attended the Garfield No. 5 Country School and helped his parents on the family farm northwest of Garner.

On November 16, 1943, he married Emily Marie Tlach at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan. They made their home across from his parents' home where they farmed. He served his country during WW II in the U.S. Army as an automotive mechanic in the European Theatre. Following his honorable discharge on October 27, 1946, he returned home and continued to farm.

Besides farming, he also sold hybrid seed, did custom baling and chopping and hauled feed and grain. On May 8, 1978, his wife, Emily died from cancer at the age of 52.

On August 16, 1979, he married Alice (Rapp) Meints at the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Garner. They lived on the home farm where Leonard farmed with his son, Marv. Leonard enjoyed his family, visiting with people, playing cards, dancing and helping on the farm. He especially enjoyed dressing up each Christmas as Santa Claus for lots of little children.

He was a member of the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Garner, Knights of Columbus 4th degree, St. Boniface Men's Society, Catholic Workman Lodge, Garner Lions Club and was a life time member of the Garner VFW and American Legion. Leonard was also a 4-H Leader, served on the ASC Committee and was a Trustee for Garfield Township.

He is survived by his wife, Alice of Garner; two children, Marvin (Nancy) Rayhons of Garner and Jeanette (Allen) Upmeyer of Clinton; five grandchildren, Bonnie (Brian) Cataldo, Amy (Brian) Follmann, Cory (Jennifer) Upmeyer, Shane (Jennifer) Upmeyer and Darci (Jason) Reis; seven great-grandchildren, Sam, Ray and Reed Cataldo, Ethan and Abby Follmann, James and Joshua Upmeyer; three step-children, Roger Meints of San Diego, California, Dick (Sheryl) Meints of Meservey and Kathleen (Mike) Embertson of Mason City.

Also surviving are two sisters, Rose Mae (Red) Baker of Garner and Darlene Oldham of Dubuque; a brother-in-law, George (Betty) Tlach of Garner; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by first wife, Emily; his parents; and two brothers-in-law, Darold Pletcher and Mike Oldham.

©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004