Leon James Neil was born on October 23, 1920 to parents Jesse and Salome (Hausler) Neil in Fairbank.  Leon attended Oran schools.  On October 25, 1941, Leon was united in marriage with Florence Fox at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Fairbank.

On November 12, 1942, Leon enlisted in the United States Army, where he served during World War II in France, Germany, and Austria until his honorable discharge on February 28, 1946.  During his service, Leon was awarded the American Campaign Medal, World War II Bronze Battle Star, Victory Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.

Upon returning home, Leon was employed at Rath Packing in Waterloo.  He then was employed at Dubuque Maize Wood Insulation, and then at Wilson Foods in Cedar Rapids from where he retired on September 30, 1979.  Leon and Florence then moved to Oelwein in 1980.

Left to celebrate Leon’s life are his nieces: Nancy (John) Willard of Marion, Diane (Dean) Reck of Cedar Rapids; his special friend Fran Bieber of Center Point; as well as several great nieces and nephews and friends.

In death, Leon has rejoined his parents, his sister Ruth Manross, and his wife Florence (1999). 

A memorial fund has been established.

VISITATION: 5-7 PM Monday February 6, 2012 at the Geilenfeld Funeral Home with military honors by the American Legion Ross Reid Post 9 of Oelwein at 6 PM.

FUNERAL: 10:30 AM Tuesday February 7, 2012 at Peace Lutheran Church in Oelwein.

Inturment will be in Greenwood Cemetery at Westgate, Iowa.