Leland T. Rector (1934-2020)

RECTOR, COULTER, STEFFEN, WERNER, LECHELT

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 6/12/2021 at 20:55:33

MUSCATINE-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.

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Published in Quad-City Times on May 11, 2020.