In Memory of Leonard E. Miesner

Leonard E. Miesner, age 89, of Ida Grove, Iowa passed away on Thursday, August 7, 2014 at the Horn Memorial Hospital of Ida Grove, Iowa.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, August 11, 2014 at the St. Paul Lutheran Church of Ida Grove, Iowa. The Reverend Richard A. Salcido and the Reverend Adam J. Peck will officiate. Burial will be in the Ida Grove Cemetery of Ida Grove, Iowa. Military Rites will be conducted by McNamara-Moore Post No. 61 of the American Legion of Ida Grove, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., on Sunday, August 10, 2014 at the Christensen – Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa. The Christensen ~ Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online to www.christensenvanhouten.com

Leonard Edward Miesner was born September 14, 1924 in Knobnoster, Missouri to Arthur and Alma (Kaiser) Miesner. He was baptized at St. John Lutheran Church in Cole Camp, Missouri. He was educated there while helping at his parents' farm. He met his future wife, Lela (Wischmeier) Miesner, as they attended Walther League (Lutheran Youth Group) together and lived on adjoining farms. Leonard not only wooed Lela, but her family by bringing fresh fish to her mother and teaching her younger brother to ride a bicycle.

Leonard was drafted into the United States Army in 1944. He was sent to combat in Germany, however the war ended the day of his arrival. He served in a quartermaster unit until 1946.

Leonard and Lela were married October 19, 1947, at Zion Lutheran Church in Lincoln, Missouri. They moved to Iowa, where Leonard worked as a farm hand before running his own farm north of Ida Grove. They had three children, Donald Lee Miesner (1948-1961), Allen Wayne Miesner (1952-1982), and Karen Lynn (McTaggart) Miesner of Emporia, Kansas

 Leonard was a hard worker and meticulous farmer. He took pride in his crops and cattle, and he served several years on the REC board. He provided an extraordinary example of overcoming humble beginnings with hard work and integrity. Leonard knew the importance of providing for his family and demonstrated this by teaching them to learn about and know Jesus. He and Lela were active members of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ida Grove for many years. Leonard served in many positions in the church and seldom missed a Sunday morning service.

After retirement in 1988, Leonard and Lela moved into Ida Grove. He enjoyed wood working, fishing, gardening, and fresh mowed lawns. He especially enjoyed fishing with his five grandchildren, all though they would attest to the fact that grandpa spent his time baiting hooks and untangling lines rather than fishing. He also loved teasing his grandchildren (and anyone else) with various puzzles and practical jokes.

Leonard passed away at the age of 89, August 7, 2014, at Horn Memorial Hospital after complications from a stroke. He is survived by his wife of over 66 years, Lela Miesner, daughter, Karen (Michael) McTaggart, daughter-in-law, Joy (Sidney) Bostian, five grandchildren, AJ Allen(Moriah) Bostian, Judd Mathew (Tiffany) Bostian, Alyssa Jo (Barry) Davis, Jade Lynn McTaggart, and Joseph Michael McTaggart, four great-grandchildren, Seth Davis, Ryenn Bostian, Dylan Bostian, and Kyle Bostian, eight nephews, and one niece.

Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, two sons, two brothers, and one sister.