Leonard R. Gortmaker

Leonard Raymond Gortmaker, son of Wirt Gortmaker and Susie Frieze, was born September 8, 1918 in Foley, Minnesota, and died February 16, 2009 at the Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames, Iowa at the age of 90 years, 5 months, and 8 days. Leonard attended school in Turner County, South Dakota. He farmed with his father near Parker, South Dakota. Leonard was proud to serve his country in the U.S. Army during World War II, serving from January 26, 1942 until his honorable discharge October 16, 1945 as a Staff Sergeant. He was a Radio Repairman, assigned to Reconnaissance Company 610 Tank Destroyer Batallion and saw duty in the European Theatre of Operations. Leonard served in Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe. He was awarded four Bronze Stars and a Good Conduct Medal. While in the service he attended TD School to be a Radio Electrician in 1943. Leonard married Grace Dorman in 1948 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. They were parents of three children, Susan, James, and Jerry. Grace died in April of 1955. Leonard was united in marriage to Ruth "LaVon" Schwab on November 17, 1956 at the Shiloh Bible Church in Linden, Iowa. The family lived on their "Wildwood Farm" north of Perry. They were active in the First Baptist Church in Perry until 1972, when the family moved to Huxley. Leonard became a member of the Slater Baptist Church in Slater, Iowa. He was a loyal Chicago Cubs fan and enjoyed visiting about his war experiences. Leonard's family was very precious to him and he shared that love in many ways, one being to call the grandchildren very frequently. After LaVon's death in 2003, Leonard continued to live in Huxley until moving to Waterford Assisted Living in Ames two years ago. Leonard was preceded in death by his parents; sister Grace Baker; brothers Everett, Louis, and Edward; his first wife Grace Dorman Gortmaker and second wife LaVon Gortmaker. Survivors include his two sons: James Gortmaker (Susie) of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and Jerry Gortmaker (Nina) of Kentwood, Michigan; one daughter: Susan Blazer (David), both serving the A.B.W.E. Mission Board in Paranaiba, Brazil; eight grandchildren: Deborah Pehl (Scott) of Madrid, Iowa; Tim Brazer (Andrea) of Bauru, SP, Brazil; Angie Joyner (Robert) of Lascassas, Tennessee; Gretchen Jones (Jeremy) of Mason, Ohio; Ben Gortmaker of Nashville, Tennessee; Alan Gortmaker (Bethany) of Caledonia, Michigan; Aaron Gortmaker (Cassie) of Longwood, Florida; Alicia Harley (Jason) of Grand Rapids, Michigan; fifteen great-grandchildren:Shania, Skyla, Clay, and Cavin Pehl; Robert, Moriah, Julea, and Levi Blazer; Colton Joyner; Elias and Gabriel Jones; Aiden, Gracie, and Lily Gortmaker; and Micah Gortmaker. Leonard is also survived by his brothers: Peter Gortmaker of Parker, South Dakota; Bill Gortmaker of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; George Gortmaker (Helen) of Westchester, Illinois; sister Helen Schoon of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; brother-in-law Robert Baker of Tucson, Arizona; sisters-in-law: Nelda Hollingsworth of Perry, Iowa; Jean Turner of Redfield, Iowa; June Pitsenbarger of Linden, Iowa; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.