Vigil service for Thomas Leonard was held May 2 at Martin-Mattice Funeral Home in Emmetsburg. Mass of Christian Burial was May 3 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Emmetsburg. The Rev. Bill Schreiber officiated. Interment was at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery in Emmetsburg.
Thomas Joseph Leonard, son of John and Bernette (Donahue) Leonard, was born November 1, 1943, in Emmetsburg, Iowa. He received his education at Emmetsburg Catholic School, graduating in 1963.
On March 26, 1966, Tom was united in marriage to Susan Wood at Assumption Catholic Church in Emmetsburg. They were blessed with four children. Together, they were lifelong members of Holy Family Parish.
Tom worked for Pamline for twenty one years. After leaving Pamline, he entered the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy and was a member of the 85th basic academy class. Following graduation from the academy and becoming a certified police officer, Tom worked for the Sheriff's Office for twenty four years, from 1983 until his retirement in 2007.
Tom was a hard working man who exemplified work ethic and showed respect to everyone he met. Tom always put others before himself and looked out for those who were less fortunate. He was a foundation and a rock for many.
In his leisure time, Tom enjoyed the outdoors, going fishing, hunting, or spending time at the river. He also liked watching westerns and listening to Johnny Cash or Patsy Cline. Above all, Tom loved spending time with those he loved most, his family.
Tom passed away Thursday, April 27, 2023, at the Palo Alto County Hospital in Emmetsburg, Iowa at the age of 79. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Bernette Leonard; sisters, Shirley Petersen and Jeanette Cooke; and brother-in-law, Ken Cooke.
He is survived by his wife, Susan of Emmetsburg, Iowa; his children, Tom (Lisa) Leonard of Hinton, Iowa, Lisa (Scott) Studer of Emmetsburg, Iowa, Jason (Margaret) Leonard of Waverly, Iowa, and Gabe (Kelly) Leonard of Graettinger, Iowa; ten grandchildren, Justine, Courtney, Morgan, Brendan, Justin, Stephanie, Brady, Payton, Reegan, and Reese; ten great grandchildren; three brothers, Pat (Joanne) Leonard of Colorado, Gary (Sandy) Leonard of Emmetsburg, Iowa and Mike Leonard of Spencer, Iowa; two sisters, Deb (Rick) Rouse of Emmetsburg, Iowa and Annette (Rich) Gilman of Golden, Colorado; brother-in-law, Delbert Petersen of Estherville, Iowa; as well as many other relatives and friends.
Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home.
Condolences can be left at
www.martinmattice
funeralhome.com
