Leonard Joseph Fencl
March 17, 1936 ~ November 10, 2024
Leonard J. Fencl passed away Sunday, November 10, 2024, at the Aase Haugen Home in Decorah, Iowa at the age of 88.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Protivin, with Rev. Nick Radloff celebrating the Mass followed by military honors. Interment will take place at a later date.
Visitation will be held one hour before the services at the church.
Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory, New Hampton is assisting the family.
Leonard was born March 17, 1936, on the Fencl farm, the son of Alois and Alice (Lukes) Fencl. Leonard received his education at Holy Trinity Grade School and graduated from Rudolphinum High School in 1954. He was employed by Clet Koshatka Farm Equipment before enlisting in the U. S. Army in August of 1956. His basic training was at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas. He also received 8 weeks of schooling at Fort Chaffee and another 8 weeks of schooling Aberdeen Proving Grounds at Aberdeen, Maryland. He then served six months in Japan and later ten months in Korea. After two years of active duty, he spent two years in active reserves and two years in standby reserves in Decorah, Iowa. In August of 1962 he was discharged from military service.
Leonard started farming in 1962 after his father retired from farming. Leonard was a “steward of the land” and farmed for 50 years on the Fencl Heritage Farm. He was the fourth generation owner and operator of the land that was purchased from the U.S. Government by his great grandfather, Frank Fencl in 1856.
Leonard milked cows and sold his dairy herd in 1972 to start a beef cow/calf operation which he enjoyed very much. He raised show calves and sold them to 4-H and FFA members who had a beef project. He also had a great love for raising horses, riding horses in Yellow River State Forest and Volga Lake State Park and driving horses with a sleigh or wagon behind. Leonard enjoyed reading, traveling, seeing different parts of the country, snowmobiling, and feeding and watching birds.
On November 20, 1973, he was united in marriage to Doris Leitzinger Davis, his best friend and the love of his life, in Nashville, Tennessee. On November 20, 2004, Father Moser officiated at a renewal of their marriage vows at Holy Trinity Church in Protivin. They resided on the Fencl family farm one mile east of Protivin.
Leonard was a lifetime member of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Protivin, a member of the Knights of Columbus, Catholic Workman, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association of Winneshiek County, and a member of Post 605 of the American Legion. He served for 30 years as Sgt.-at-Arms of Post 605.
Leonard is survived by his stepson, Scott Davis, two brothers, Victor (Sharla) Fencl, and Ernie (Martha) Fencl, and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents, Alois and Alice (Lukes) Fencl, his wife, Doris, his stepson, Steven Sidwell, two sisters, Mary Ann (Willie) Andera, and Betty Falada and his brother, Jim Fencl, nephews, Bryan Fencl and Jim Falada, and niece, Melyssa Fencl.
In leiu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for further designation. Hugeback Johnson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Condolences may be left at www.hugebackjohnsonfuneralhome.com.
Sending prayers to the Fencl family. Jeanne and David Roder
Hi, I am sorry to hear of Leonards passing. I always enjoyed our visits while bringing him Communion on Thursdays. He always had a smile, blessed himself with Holy Water from a jar he received on his first communion! and was so appreciative to be able to receive his Lord in Communion. May he rest in peace.
We are very sorry to hear of Leonard’s passing. Always enjoyed visiting with him and he always remembered my Dad. They had good times. I’m sure they are visiting again!
Sue Ryan
So sorry to hear of Leonard’s passing. He was such a sweet man. Always remembered me as, “that Larson girl from Protivin.” I always enjoyed visiting with him when I saw him. Sympathies and Prayers to the Fencl families. Cheryl Larson Batterson
Precious memories of our times with our dear friend Leonard. Was so supportive and
caring during our times at our Decorah farm. We had a great time talking about the antics
of “Henrietta”, my pet Rhode Island Red, and even brought her to see Leonard at his farm.
We had a special time of singing Whispering Hope with family.
So thankful to see the pictures he shared of his time with my Dad, Max Bouska, so kind of
Leonard. A fine gentleman and big heart, so kind; he will be missed. He is now Home with
dear Doris and our Lord. Our love and prayers to all the family,
Dr. Fred and Carol Dowe, Qualicum Beach, BC, Vancouver Island, Canada