Garry Alan Leonard, age 58, of Lake View, passed away on Thursday, August 8, 2019, doing what he loved. The son of Richard and Marvyl (Buse) Leonard, Garry grew up in Lake View where he was baptized and confirmed at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church. He attended Lake View Community Schools, graduating with the class of 1980.
It was during his younger years on the family farm where Garry’s love for farming began. At the age of five, he started helping his father with field work and as Garry grew, so did his love for all things agriculture. (Although his family will tell you he never really liked hogs.) Garry added sheep to the farm and enjoyed showing them in 4-H. He had such a quick and careful hand shearing sheep that he went on to shear for many area farmers. While farming was Garry’s passion, he also enjoyed participating in school activities like football and spending time with his little sister, Jeanette. The two would often be found together. Following graduation, Garry began his life-long farming career.
During a chance encounter at the Knights of Columbus singles dance in Storm Lake, Garry met Michelle Monahan and his life changed forever. The couple married on February 14, 1997, in Lake View. On that day, Garry not only became a husband, but also a father to Michelle’s three children. The family made their home in Lake View before moving out to the country in 2006.
The farm became a favorite place for Garry, Michelle and their expanding family which soon included eight grandchildren. “Papa” as the family called him, was always there to watch his grandkids’ sporting events, dance recitals and concerts. He could often be found riding four-wheelers around the farm with the grandkids and teaching his grandsons how to farm. When he wasn’t farming, Garry enjoyed riding and collecting antique John Deere tractors, collecting die cast John Deere tractors, riding his motorcycle and playing cards. The family took many vacations together including trips to Florida, Hawaii, Las Vegas, Lake of the Ozarks and Wisconsin Dells. He was looking forward to more family trips.
Garry will be remembered for his kind heart, unwavering work ethic and gentle spirit. He greeted everyone with a smile and was always willing to offer a helping hand. He was a gentle giant, a big man, with an even bigger heart.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife Michelle Leonard of Lake View, IA; children: Renee Huisenga of Auburn, IA, Seith (Erin) Monahan of Storm Lake, IA, Sam (Niki) Monahan of Lake View, IA; son-in-law Dan Huisenga of Sac City, IA; grandchildren: Makenna, Ayden and Layne Huisenga, Emma and Elise Monahan and Miley, Macy and Dane Monahan; brother Jeff Leonard of Ankeny, IA; sister Jeanette (Bob) Miller of Parker, SD; brothers-in-law: Jerry Kaduce, Neil Bloxham and Milt Swanson of Pea Ridge, AR; sister-in-law Cindy (Dave) Anderson of Eagle Grove, IA; several nieces, nephews, many extended family members and friends.
Garry was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Marvyl Leonard; sisters-in-law: Jerilea “Jo” Kaduce, Marcia “Toni” Bloxhom, Charlotte “Charry” Ferry and Katherine Rutledge; and brother-in-law Jerry Rutledge.
Garry's family would like to express their gratitude to the Lake View and Sac City first responders and to everyone in the community and beyond for their acts of love and kindness during this difficult time.
