LeRoy J. BIRD

BIRD, LUCAS, BROWN, ELDRIDGE, KLINE, SCHMIDT, AYRES, NOVAK, MCKEEN

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 5/17/2011 at 10:45:49

May 22, 1926 --- May 7, 2011

LeRoy J. "June" Bird, 84, of Iowa City, died peacefully on Saturday, May 7, 2011, at the Mercy Hospice surrounded by his family. A Funeral Mass was celebrated on Wednesday, May 11, at the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Iowa City, with Rev. John Spiegel officiating. Graveside services with Military Honors conducted by the West Branch American Legion Post 514, was held in the St. Johns Cemetery in Cedar Rapids. Visitation was on Tuesday, at the Lensing Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City where a rosary was recited. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Mercy Hospital Foundation for Mercy Hospice or to the Solon Care Center.

LeRoy was born on May 22, 1926 in Belle Plaine, Iowa, the son of LeRoy and Ida Mae (McKeen) Bird. He was a graduate of the Belle Plaine High School where he was an all state wrestler. Following high school LeRoy served in the US Army 254th Infantry, 63 Division, M Company + HQ in World War II. His service awards include the Bronze Star and the combat Infantryman Badge. Upon his return from Europe he worked with the WPA, the CCC and the Belle Plaine Telephone Company.

On October 19, 1949, he married Darlene Novak at the St. Michael's Church in Belle Plaine. Darlene died on February 16, 1980. On July 17, 1982, he married Karol Brown at the St. Mary's Church in Iowa City. From 1949 to 1982, LeRoy lived in Cedar Rapids where he was employed by Link-Belt-Speeder/FMC for almost 40 years and taught small engine repair at Kirkwood Community College. He was a member of the American Legion Hanford Post #5 and St. Ludlimila's Church, the Moose and Eagles Lodge, all in Cedar Rapids. In Iowa City LeRoy was a member of the St. Mary's Church, was a supervisor for the Iowa City Press Citizen Ad Sheet and was a demonstrator at area grocery stores. LeRoy had a great affection for children. He served as Santa Claus at Smulekoff's and Sycamore Mall for over 25 years.

LeRoy is survived by his wife, Karol of Iowa City; five children, Janet (Bob) Kline of West Branch, Diana (Robert) Schmidt of Goldfield, Ronald Bird, Michael Bird and Alan (Susan) Bird, all of Cedar Rapids; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; his sister, Dollie Ayres of Wilton; three step children, Elaine Eldridge of Newport, Minnesota, Glenn (Sara) Brown of Iowa City and Steven Brown of Omaha; and numerous step-grand and great-grandchildren and cousins. LeRoy was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Darlene; three brothers, Clarence, Charles and Richard Bird; and his sister, Edith Lucas.

Wright County Monitor -- Clarion, Iowa
May 12, 2011