Edward Leonard

Edward Joseph Leonard, 99, of Cedar Falls, died on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at The Suites at Western Home Communities. He was born on October 9, 1925, in Boston, Massachusetts, the son of William and Florence (Kenny) Leonard. He served in the Navy during World War II. After his enlistment, Edward was united in marriage to Jean Wiswell June 28, 1947 in Darien, CT. She died August 12, 2017. He earned his bachelor’s degree in engineering from Penn State in 1950. He later received his MBA from the University of Northern Iowa. He was an administrative employee with St. Francis/Covenant Hospital until his retirement. His interests included operating Ham Radio, playing Bridge, bird watching, reading, attending UNI sporting events, and traveling with Jean. Following retirement, Ed volunteered with Jean at the St. Vincent de Paul Society, the Cedar Falls Public Library, and various ministries at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Most importantly, Ed loved being with his family and they in return loved being with him. Frequent family gatherings and weekly Zoom calls were the highlight of his life. Edward is survived by his children, Carol (Chad) Jackson of London, KY, Jane (Robert) Nelson of Cedar Falls, Tom (Gina) Leonard of New Hampton, Fran (Dan) Venter of Johnston, Mary Hover of Cedar Falls, Sue (Dave) Watters of Cedar Falls, and Lois Greene of Ankeny, son-in-law, Vince Handeland of Boone; eighteen grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; ten step-greatgrandchildren; and two step-great-greatgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jean; daughter, Patty Handeland; brother, Bill Leonard; sister, Claire Leonard Waltrop; and twin grandsons in infancy Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Cedar Falls. Visitation will be 4:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 17th at Richardson Funeral Service with a rosary at 3:45 p.m. Burial with military honors at Greenwood Cemetery in Cedar Falls. Memorials may be directed to the St. Patrick Catholic Church or the Western Home Foundation.

Edward Leonard

October 9, 1925 - June 12, 2025