George Leonard Obituary

George William Leonard, 93, of Elkader, passed away early Friday morning, June 27, 2025. He was born February 22, 1932, in rural Elkader, to Michael and Maud (Hall) Leonard. He was the youngest of their four children. His parents allowed his sisters to name him George when he was born on George Washington's birthday.
He attended school at Mederville, St. Joseph's Catholic school, and graduated from Elkader High School in 1950. He studied agriculture at Iowa State University.
George was born on the farm and went on to own 650 acres. He visited all 50 states and multiple countries. He loved fishing in Canada with his son Mike, visiting his daughter Cathy in the Air Force while in Germany, traveling to China with his daughter Angie, and exploring Ireland, Mexico, Australia and even Brazil with his wife, Terry.
George loved politics and was an avid participant in the Democratic party. He ran for Iowa state senator and was an alternate delegate to the National Democratic Convention. He met the Carters, Kennedys, Clintons and Gores, and hosted Dick Gephardt at the farm when he was campaigning for president.
He was very involved with St. Joseph's parish in Elkader as usher, head of the grounds department for many years and a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus.
George had many big dreams, which included building a house on the highest hill in Clayton County, creating a lake and establishing Emerald Valley Estates.
He had a generous soul and would be the first one to pull over and help someone when their car broke down, pull your car out of the snowy ditch, plant or harvest crops for neighbors in need and chase cattle when fences failed. He'd chaperone high school trips, driving the bus from Elkader to DC and Orlando. He loved playing softball in Littleport and taught Angie and Carin to play in the backyard (with their German Shepherd Sam playing outfield).
George didn't always say it out loud, but he was immensely proud of all five of his children and their accomplishments
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Terry (Doden) Leonard; children, Michael (Carol) Leonard of Elkader, Cathy Barrett of Houston, TX, Patrick (Cathie) Leonard of Charles City, IA, Angie (Mike) Morrow of Boston, MA, and Carin (Charlie) Leonard-Gorrill of Minneapolis, MN; eight grandchildren, Michael and Caspian Barrett, William Leonard, Gabe and Malcolm Morrow, Lila, Mason and Alexander Leonard-Gorrill; many nieces, nephews, and friends.
George was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Evelyn (Lester) Meyers and Mary (Stanley) McDowell and brother, Jim (Erma) Leonard.
Visitation: Will be held on Thursday, July 3, 2025, 9 to 11AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Elkader
Mass of Christian Burial Thursday, July 3, 2025, at 11 AM also at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Elkader. Rev. John Haugen will celebrate.
PRIVATE Family burial at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Elkader,Iowa
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elkader is assisting the family.