Heaven’s gates were open to receive Leonard Lee Stauffer, 77, of Iowa Falls, Iowa who passed away on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at the VA Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa. The family will receive visitors from 5-7pm on Friday, January 31, 2025 at Linn’s Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will be at 10:30 am on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at the First Christian Church 221 Fischer Avenue, Iowa Falls, Iowa 50126 with full military rights. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family ℅ Leonard Stauffer Memorial, Linn’s Funeral Home 1521 Washington Avenue, Iowa Falls, Iowa 50126.
Leonard Lee Stauffer was born October 3, 1947, to Samuel Long and Anna K. (Pokrantz) Stauffer in Grinnell, Iowa. He graduated from BGM High School class of 1966 in Brooklyn, Iowa. He moved to Iowa Falls and attended Ellsworth Community College earning his AA degree. He furthered his studies at Drake University. In October of 1968 he entered into the United States Army. He served in Vietnam with Company D, 1st battalion, 27th infantry, 25th infantry division. It is during this time that he received a Purple Heart and the Bronze Star medal for gallantry. On August 1,1970 Leonard was united in marriage to his “Pretty Woman”, Rita Kay Carter and to this union two children were born; Leslie and Christopher. Leonard and Rita made Iowa Falls their home in 1973 where Leonard worked sales for Campbell Supply for 37 years, until his retirement. When he realized he needed a part-time job in order to stay out of trouble, he worked at NAPA for a few years.
If you knew Leonard you understood his passion for cars and racing. This was fostered at a young age by tagging along with his brother to the Chevy garage in Brooklyn, as well as by many others who took him racing and taught him everything he needed to know about cars. He continued to go to races with his children and grandchildren. Spending time and making memories with his family was very important to him. This included countless vacations; primarily to Branson, Missouri as well as other midwest locations. In his retirement, day trips with Rita became a frequent tradition as they sought to find the best Ma & Pa restaurants. When he wasn’t with family, he enjoyed having urgent coffee “meetings” at The Red Rooster while solving all the world’s problems. Leonard would talk and tell stories with anyone who was willing to listen and had plenty of time to spare.
Leonard was a member of the First Christian Church, Iowa Falls where he served as an Elder, Council President, Sunday School teacher, and youth leader. Over the years, he also served as a Cub Scout leader, volunteered at the Thrift Store, and helped with the Scenic City Car Show. He was a member of the American Legion for 48 years. For Leonard, Rita, and his children, being a sponsor and host to the United Christian Fellowship (UCF) for nearly 15 years was a pivotal time in their lives. What started as a youth group of young people from various churches in the area became a 2nd family, sharing their love for Jesus Christ and worshipping together almost every week. To this day those involved with the UCF remain extremely close and are always a phone call away.
He is survived by his beloved wife Rita Stauffer of Iowa Falls; a daughter: Leslie (Bryan) Schleisman of Ankeny, Iowa; a son: Christopher (Tina) Stauffer of Iowa Falls, Iowa; 9 grandchildren: Taylor & Nathan Schleisman; Elijah, Caleb, Gabrielle, Naomi, Eden, Hannah, & Noah Stauffer.
He is preceded in death by his parents: Samuel and Anna Stauffer; and his siblings: Gladys Shutts, Glen Stauffer, and Elizabeth Stauffer.
Inurnment will be at a later date with full Military Rights at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel, Iowa.
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LEONARD, STEVE MOORE AND I WERE ROOM MATES OUR 2ND YEAR OF COLLEGE AT ELLWORTH JUNIOR COLLEGE. WHAT A WONDERFUL TIME WE HAD TOGETHER. HE HAD A 55 CHEVROLET AND I A 56 AND YOU KNOW HOW THE STORIES WENT FROM THERE. THE GOOD LORD GOT A GOOD ONE……………..RIP IN PEACE BUDDY. ROGER L MILHAN AKA LEFTY.