CALKINS, Leonard M. 1919-2005

CALKINS

Posted By: Gordon Felland (email)
Date: 2/17/2005 at 20:37:19

Leonard M. Calkins, 85, of 802 16th St. NE, Mason City, died Thursday, February 3, 2005, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit. Funeral services were held on Monday at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Avenue with Rev. Kathy Graves, Director of Spiritual Care Hospice of North Iowa officiating. Interment was in Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery. Full military rites will be conducted by the Mason City Veterans Memorial Association. Memorials may be given to the Leonard M. Calkins Memorial Fund.

Leonard was born Oct. 13, 1919 in Swaledale, IA, the son of Frank and Mable (Anderson) Calkins. He married Bernice "Bee" Beier Mar. 19, 1939 in Manly, IA. Leonard entered the service in 1942. He served in the 10th Mountain Division in Italy and Africa. While in combat, he helped Bob Dole off the battlefield after Dole had been wounded. Some years later, Senator Dole visited Leonard at the television station here in Mason City. Following his honorable discharge in 1945, Leonard returned home serving in the National Guard for 9 years. He attained the rank of Master Sergeant. Leonard worked for KGLO Television for 35 years. He was a cameraman then received his Electronic Engineering degree. Leonard was a member of the Moose Lodge, VFW Post #733 and the American Legion.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and pool.

Leonard is survived by two daughters, Sharon R. Swanson and husband Bill of Northwood, Linda K. Edwards and husband Joe D. Carroll of Minneapolis, MN; grandchildren, Jody L. Harrington and husband Troy of St. Charles, IL, Trudy L. Capitani and husband Dave of Northwood, Cale Y. Edwards and special friend Michelle Smith of Savage, MN, great grandchildren, Weston and Vaughn Harrington, Spencer and Chandler Capitani; twin brother, Leland "Dude" Calkins and wife Janiece of Mason City; nephews, Leon Calkins of Tucson, AZ, Cecil Calkins and wife Peggy of Granger; special friend, Juanita Cole of Clear Lake.

Source: Northwood Anchor Online, 2/16/2005