OSAGE — Leo Edward Meitner, 95, of Osage, died October 13, 2026, at Good Shepherd Health Center in Mason City, leaving a lifetime of work and service that reached from his family’s dairy farm to the military, his church and the dance floor. A farmer, businessman and musician, Leo helped sustain the community he called home for nearly a century.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage. Interment will be in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Osage.
A Knights of Columbus rosary will begin at 3:30 p.m. Friday, October 16, at the church, followed by visitation from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the Mass begins. Hoff Celebrations–Champion Chapel of Osage is assisting the family.
Leo was born March 6, 1931, on the family farm near Osage, the son of Oscar and Anna (Popp) Meitner. He graduated from Osage High School in 1949.
He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, including service as a military policeman at Camp Darby in Italy.
On August 24, 1957, Leo married Lorraine Isaac at Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville. Their family grew to include six children, followed by grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Agriculture remained central to Leo’s working life. He was a dairy farmer and seed salesman and owned and operated Meitner Dairy and Equipment Sales. His involvement extended beyond his own business: he served on the Twin Cedar Co-op Creamery Board, was a past president of the Mitchell County Farm Bureau and held a lifetime membership in the Dairy Shrine.
Leo also gave his time to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, serving as a lector, usher and parish council member. He was a past Grand Knight of Osage Knights of Columbus Council 4308.
His commitment to fellow veterans continued long after his Army service. Leo was a life member of Osage V.F.W. Post 7920, where he managed many dances, and belonged to the Stacyville American Legion. He also served on the Honor Flight Team.
Music connected several parts of his life. Leo enjoyed dancing as well as performing, playing with the Rhythm Rascals, the Meitner Band and other groups over the years. Alongside the demands of farming, business and community service, he made time to help bring people together through music.
Leo is survived by his children, Angela (John) Duggan of Mason City, Keith (Gena) Meitner of Osage, Elizabeth (Mark) Lightcap of Dubuque, Mark (Kristi) Meitner of El Dorado, Loretta (Rodney) Koch of Osage and Lavonne (Edward) Suhr of Fredericksburg; 14 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
He also leaves his sister, Marcella Voight of Osage, and sister-in-law, Charlotte Meitner of St. Ansgar.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Lorraine; his parents, Oscar and Anna; his brother, Gerald Meitner; his sister, Darlene Elliott; and his brothers-in-law, Carl “Jim” Voight and Mel Elliott.
Family and friends may share memories and condolences through Leo’s obituary at Hoff Celebrations.
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