Keith Nicholas Leinenweaver

Keith Nicholas Leinenweaver was born on September 16, 1935, the son of Leo L. & Virginia E. (Middagh) Leinenweaver near Sigourney, Iowa. Keith attended country school before entering the Webster Consolidated School, where he graduated in 1954. He was an avid basketball player and continued his interest in the sport throughout his life. On February 14, 1958, he was united in marriage with Marlene Van Auken at the North English Christian Church. To this union, three daughters were born. Keith worked at the English Valley Creamery after graduation, then delivered fuel for Standard Oil. At this time, he and Marlene were able to pursue their ambition to become farmers, developing a large beef herd. Later, he became a sub-mail carrier, and took on a full-time route in 1988 in the Ollie area. He transferred to the Harper/Keota route in 1989. Keith loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing and farming the land. He was one of the founders of the Iowa Chapter #5 International Harvester Collectors Club, which grew to over 500 members. After retirement in 2000, they were able to travel, seeing much of our country and he pursued a hobby of woodworking and tractor restoration along with more fishing. Keith and Marlene shared their time between their lake home in Missouri and their farm in Iowa. He was a devoted family man who loved his daughters and granddaughters very much, always joking with everyone. Keith died on Thursday, January 15, 2015, in Wheatland, MO after a courageous battle with cancer, at the age of 79 years.

Keith is survived by his wife, Marlene, three daughters: Melinda Miller (Monte Ohrt) of Riverside, IA, Monica Klipp (Greg) of Webster, IA, and Diane McClaskey (Tim), of Springfield, MO; and five granddaughters: Sarah Klipp Hettinger (Josh) of Kirksville, MO, Becky Klipp Adrian (Kevin) of North English, IA, Ashley Klipp of Ankeny, IA, Rachel McClaskey and Abbye McClaskey both of Springfield, MO; step-grandchildren: Christy Ohrt Anderson (Craig) and Alan Ohrt; a step-great granddaughter: Elyse Anderson, several cousins and a long-time family friend: Elaine Sorden. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Celebration of Life Service will be held 10:30 AM on Tuesday, January 20, 2015 at the Powell Funeral Home, North English. Rev. Vince Homan will officiate. Burial will be in the South English Cemetery, South English. Visitation will be on Monday from 4:00 - 7:00 PM at the Powell Funeral Home, North English. A general memorial fund has been established. Messages and tributes may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com