Leon D. Bockes, 79, of Grundy Center, Iowa, died Sunday, July 1, 2007, at his home, while under the care of Cedar Valley Hospice and his family. Following cremation, Memorial Services will be 10:30 A.M., Thursday, July 5, 2007, at the United Methodist Church in Grundy Center, Iowa, with Pastor Matt Miller officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Grundy Center, with full military rites provided by the Grundy Center American Legion Post #349 and AMVETS Post #17. Visitation will be Wednesday, July 4, 2007, from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Engelkes-Abels Funeral Home in Grundy Center. A memorial fund has been established.
Leon Dale Bockes was born August 2, 1927, at home in Palermo Township, rural Grundy County, the son of Clarence A. and Ella R. (Riekena) Bockes. Leon was raised on a farm in Palermo Township and attended Palermo #10. Leon then attended Grundy Center High School and graduated with the class of 1945. Prior to graduation, Leon enlisted in the United States Army, with his induction taking place on January 22, 1946. He served his country until he was honorably discharged on July 18, 1947. On September 23, 1947, Leon was united in marriage to Mabel M. Mooty at First Methodist Church in Grundy Center. After their marriage, Leon began farming in Grundy County. They continued to farm until Leon retired in July 1991. After his retirement, his favorite hobby was flower gardening and feeding the birds and local wildlife. Leon was a member of the United Methodist Church in Grundy Center, a member of Manly's Coffee Club, and he was also a member of the Grundy Center American Legion and AMVETS Post. He had served twelve years on the Grundy Center School Board, and had been a former member of Kiwanis.
He is survived by his wife Mabel Bockes of Grundy Center, Iowa; two daughters-Kathy Gunn and her husband Rich of Marietta, Georgia; Karen Knust of Indianola, Iowa; two sons-Kevin Bockes and his wife Amy of San Marcos, California; Kent Bockes and his wife Maureen of Minneapolis, Minnesota; five grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, three step-great-grandchildren; and two sisters-Elaine Marshall of Lynnwood, Washington; and Shirley Zingler and her husband LeRoy of Rice Lake, Wisconsin.
He was preceded in death by his parents.