Leonard Reisz obit

Leonard Francis Reisz, 85, died on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026. Leonard, the son of John and Sabina (Stracke) Reisz, was born on May 3, 1941, in Panama. He attended kindergarten through 7th grade at Cuppy’s Grove in Panama, 8th grade at St. Michael’s in Harlan, 9th-11th at Harlan High, then graduating in 1959 from Dunlap High School in Dunlap. Leonard and his best friend took a road trip and landed themselves in California. While there he continued his education at San Mateo Junior College. This would be where he met the love of his life, Nancy Larsen. He worked for PGE in California from 1959 to 1963 before he was drafted into the United States Army. He proudly served his country for two years in Korea. Throughout his life he carried the steady strength and sense of duty that service represents. Leonard and Nancy were married on Feb. 24, 1968, at the St. Patrick Catholic Church in Dunlap. He lived a life shaped by hard work, service, faith, and family. From 1965 to 1985, he farmed row crops and raised cattle and hogs, work that reflected both his dedication and his deep connection to the land. After moving back to California in 1985 with his family, he worked for the Modesto Irrigation District as a Water Ditch Tender from 1987 until 2010. In June of 2023, Leonard’s love for Iowa brought him back to live in Logan.

Leonard found joy in many things that made life rich and memorable. He enjoyed woodworking, farming, playing Pitch, and studying history, especially World War II. Leonard was also known for his love of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and See’s Candy. Among the accomplishments he held with pride was being a 4th Degree Knight and serving as a Grand Knight in Dunlap. Above all, Leonard treasured his family. He especially enjoyed teasing and tormenting the grandchildren, bringing laughter and a playful spirit to those he loved most. That sense of humor, along with his steady presence and hardworking nature, will be remembered by all who knew him.

Leonard was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Nancy; and siblings, Eldred Reisz and Agnes Kettleson. He is survived by his children, Mark Reisz of Dunlap, David (Kim) Reisz of Logan, Michael (Maria) Reisz of Fairfax, Va., Doug (Indira) Reisz of Logan, Brad (Megan) Reisz of Hughson, Calif., and Bill (Kim) Reisz of Modesto, Calif.; 15 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; siblings, Charlotte (Jim) Noble, Bill Reisz, and Cindy (Greg) Sheehan; sisters-in-law, Helen Reisz, Connie Larsen, Tiah Larsen, and Barbara Larsen; and many other relatives and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held for Leonard on Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Dunlap. Rev. James Kirby and Rev. Samuel Danso were the celebrants for the service. Ben Schauer was the musician. Leonard’s honorary pallbearers included his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Christopher, Dalton, Cambria, Sara, Isabel, Sabina, Briar, Wyatt, Corbin, Breckin, Landin, Rowin, Tanner, Emalee, Ella, Brayten, Ryker, Londyn, and Hudson. The pallbearers were Leonard’s sons, Mark, David, Mike, Doug, Brad, and Bill. Graveside Military Rites were performed by the Dunlap American Legion Post #224. Leonard’s final resting place is at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Dunlap.

Services entrusted to Fouts Funeral Home. www.foutsfuneralhome.com