Leo R. Bell

Leo R. Bell, age 82 of Marengo, passed away, Monday, January 16, 2017 at the Marengo Memorial Hospital, from complications of diabetes and Pancreatic Cancer. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 P.M. Thursday, January 19, 2017, Kloster Funeral Home, Marengo. Private Burial will be Friday, January 20, 2017. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be contributed to the Marengo Fire Department or the Marengo Memorial Hospital.

Leo is survived by his wife of 28 years, Paula; a daughter Kristyn Bell (Joe Bolkcom); a step-son, Jim (Bev) Krakow, step daughter Suzy (Wade) Roth; step grandchildren, Megan (Joe) Trimble, Molli Krakow, Steven Slechta and Jayson Krakow; and two step great-grandsons, Austin and Riley Trimble. Leo loved dogs and owned many in his life. The last one, Sophie his pet Peekapoo, also survives him.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife Karen.

Leo Ray Bell was born November 4, 1934 in Marengo, Iowa, the son of Ralph and Gladys Brecht Bell. He graduated from the Marengo High School with the Class of 1953. Leo attended Wartburg College for a year, and then enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving from 1955-1957. He returned home and was employed with Simmons Motor Company as a parts manager. When the company closed their doors, Leo went to work for the City of Marengo with the Streets Department, retiring in 2003.

Leo and Karen Rathjen married in 1959. They were blessed with a daughter Kristyn. The couple later divorced. Leo and Paula Krakow were married in 1988. Leo spent 29 years on the Marengo Fire Department, 13 of those as Fire Chief. He spent his spare time painting houses. His hobbies included hunting and fishing. He enjoyed motorcycles and also camping. He and Paula had many happy memories around the campfire. Leo was an avid Hawkeye, Cubs and Chicago Bears fan. He also enjoyed doing the puzzles in the Gazette. Leo will be dearly missed by his family and friends. He had a kind and gentle nature which made him easy to love.

The family would like to thank the staff of Essence of Life Hospice and the Marengo Memorial Hospital for their excellent end of life care of Leo and his family.