Russell W. Leeper

Russell W. Leeper of rural Earlham died Friday, May 31, 2013 at the family farm home where he was born 85 years ago. A visitation will be held from 2 to 8 p.m., Monday, June 3 at Ochiltree Funeral Service in Winterset; where family will be present to receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m.. A memorial service will be held 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, June 4 at the Early Chapel Christian Church, rural Earlham. Memorials may be directed to the Early Chapel Christian Church. On-line condolences may be left for the family at www.ochiltree.com. Russell Wayne Leeper was born in Jackson Township, Madison County, Iowa on November 23, 1927 to K. Lloyd and Faye (Nolte) Leeper. In 1929 when Russell was two he was named the Iowa Baby Health Champion at the Iowa State Fair. He grew up on the family century farm in Jackson Township and graduated from Earlham High School in 1945. During high school he played football and he never missed an Earlham High School football game from the time he played while in high school until his grandson Kasey graduated in 1995. Russell had aspirations to become a veterinarian but since his older brother was off serving his country during World War II, Russell remained at home to farm with his father. Russell actively farmed until the last few years when his health began to decline, yet he continued to mow and maintain the yard and gardens on the farm until a couple weeks before his death. His marriage to Shirley Jo Clague took place on November 27, 1949 at the Early Chapel Christian Church and to this union, three daughters were born. Russell was a member of the Early Chapel Christian Church where he was an active member and served as an Elder. He was also a Jackson Township Trustee for many years, a 4-H Leader and he served on the board of the Farmers Co-op in Earlham. He loved farming and was especially interested in conservation and nature. He invested in terracing and tiling which sustained and maintained his family farm into the future, securing its productivity for subsequent generations. He and Shirley loved to travel and wintered 29 years in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico as well as taking several trips to Hawaii and other adventures to England and to visit his family wherever they lived around the country. All this said; Russell was a devoted son, husband, father, brother, grandfather and great grandfather who loved nothing more than spending time with family especially hosting family events at the A-frame cabin and pond in the timber on his farm near North River. All those who knew him will miss his joking, singing, words of wisdom and witty disposition. Russell is survived by his wife of 63 years, Shirley Jo (Clague) Leeper of Earlham; three daughters, Virginia (Terry) Lee of Phoenix, AZ; Julie (Bill) Henke of Earlham; Jayne (Dan) Maxey of Earlham; four grandchildren, Kimberlee Hulbert; Kasey (Jordana) Henke; Daniel Maxey Jr. and Jessica (Corey) Evans; five great grandchildren, Gavin, Aidan and Owen Hulbert and Ella and Lulu Henke, a brother, Richard Leeper of Carlisle and his sisters, Irene (Royal) Hedgecock of West Des Moines and Ruby Robinson of Winterset. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Faye (Nolte) Leeper; two sisters, Evelyn Leeper and Mildred Taylor and a brother, Harold Leeper.