Leonard Anderson

Leonard Anderson, 75, of Dayton, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, September 14, 2013, in Dayton.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m., Friday, September 20, 2013, at the United Methodist Church in Dayton. Burial will be in the Dayton Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the Dayton United Methodist Church. For online obituaries & condolences please visit www.carsonstappfuneralhome.com

Edwin Leonard Anderson was born on March 24, 1938, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, the son of Edwin Leonard and Lillie Elizabeth Christine (Fors) Anderson. He was baptized, confirmed and married at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Dayton. Leonard graduated with the Dayton High School Class of 1956. From 1956 to 1958, Leonard served in the United States Army and was stationed in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Following his honorable discharge he attended Iowa State University, graduating from the farm operations program. Leonard was united in marriage to Marilyn Johnson on September 24, 1961, at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Dayton. To this union two children were born: Andrew & Alayna. The couple lived and farmed north of Dayton.

Leonard belonged to Emanuel Lutheran Church in Dayton where he served as head usher, Sunday school teacher, and on the Church Board for 6 years. He had served as the Dayton Township Clerk, on the Dayton Coop Elevator Board, Dayton School Board, Greene County & Midland Power Board, Webster County Cattleman's Association, and was a Stine and Cargill Seed Dealer. In 1979, Leonard was voted the KVFD farmer of the year. He was a member of the Peterson American Legion Post #323, and was a former member of the Dayton Lion's Club. Leonard was active in the Dayton Rodeo for many years where he was a member of the Dayton Rodeo & Celebration Committee for 34 years, and served as President of the committee for a majority of that time. He also belonged to the Dayton Wranglers and was involved in the IA Miss Rodeo Pageant. Leonard & Marilyn served as the Dayton Rodeo Parade Grand Marshalls in 2008.

Leonard is survived by his wife of 52 years, Marilyn Anderson of Dayton, Iowa; son, Andrew (Gwenda Naylor-Anderson) Anderson of Dayton, Iowa; daughter, Alayna (Scott) Longhorn of Pilot Mound, Iowa; five grandchildren, Tyler Anderson, Lillie, Lance, Lane, and Lydia Longhorn; two sisters, Janice (Gaylord) Johnson of Panora, Iowa, and Avis (Jim) Russell of Austin, Texas; one brother-in-law, Ted Semprini of Dayton, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews. His parents, and one sister, Joan Semprini, preceded him in death.

Memorials may be directed to the discretion of the family.

Leonard loved the Lord Jesus Christ, his family and his friends. He was an active member of the Dayton Community and beyond. Happy trails, Leonard.