Mahlon D. Leichty

Mahlon Dean Leichty of Kalona passed away on Tuesday, August 30th, 2016, in Iowa City from complications following a stroke. Visitation will be 2-8 pm, Friday, September 2nd at Kalona Mennonite Church. Family will be present 2-4 and 6-8 pm. Celebration of life will be held at 10:30 am, Saturday, September 3rd at Kalona Mennonite Church with Reverends Scott Swartzendruber of Kalona and Howard Keim of Hesston, Kansas, officiating. Burial will follow at Sharon Hill Cemetery in Kalona. Arrangements are by Powell Funeral Home.
Mahlon was born at home in rural Wayland to William and Ada Mae Roth on March 21, 1933. He graduated from Wayland High School in 1952. He attended Hesston Academy for the winter term. In the summer of 1953, Mahlon served in IW service for two years at Oakdale Sanitarium. He worked as a carpenter for over 50 years. On September 12, 1954, Mahlon married Delores Marlene Gnagey at East Union Mennonite Church. They shared nearly 62 blissful years of marriage.
Mahlon was a man with music in his heart. From singing in quartets and with family, to being church chorister from age 19, he was always singing. Mahlon sang at many funerals and weddings. He was a family man, providing a solid Christian home where friends were always welcome.
Mahlon was an active member of Kalona Mennonite Church serving as Sunday School Superintendent and Teacher, Church Council, Building Committee, and MCC Relief Sales. He enjoyed building pieces of furniture for his children, grandchildren, and others.
Mahlon is survived by his wife Delores of Kalona; four children Allen (Merridy) Leichty of Wellman, Deb (Lynn) Hochstetler of Kalona, Carla (Keith) Yoder of Dunlap, IL, Bev (Jeff) Swarzentruber of Kalona; 11 grandchildren William (Kate) Leichty, Christina Leichty, Brandon Hochstetler, Bret (Lindsey) Hochstetler, Jordan Hochstetler, Justin (Kirsten) Hochstetler, Alyssa (Keith) Detwiler, Brooke Yoder, Erica (Keith) Ringger, Christian Swartzentruber and Mariah Swartzentruber; four great grandchildren Jo Leichty, Ada Leichty, Olivia Hochstetler, and Khloe Hochstetler, and two more to join in two months. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Harold and Glen.
The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Mercy Hospital Hospice Unit and the Iowa City Hospice Agency nurses. Memorial funds may be given to Kalona Mennonite Church or Iowa City Hospice Agency.