Memorial
Frank L. McLeod of Cedar Rapids passed away at the Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy on July 6th, at age 97. A private family gathering will be held with Military Honors Interment at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.
Frank “Mac” was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Ralph, his daughter and son in-law, Karen and David Lindberg of Cannon Falls, MN and his beloved wife of 70 years, Jane.
Mac enjoyed dancing, playing cribbage with his friend Dr. Boatman, bridge, fishing, woodworking, knitting and visiting with friends. Frank and Jane were particularly fond of fishing and spent many summers at their cabin in MN with family and friends.
Throughout the years, Mac and Jane enjoyed ballroom dancing, and the friendship created with Ballroom dancers throughout eastern Iowa. They enjoyed taking dance lessons from Anita and Charlie Douglas into their 90’s…and celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary at the Barn Ballroom, with family and Ballroom dancing friends.
Mac’s generosity was expressed through his hobbies of woodworking and knitting. His friends and family were surprised with gifts of cribbage boards, jewelry, assorted hand crafted wooden objects, and over 110 knitted blankets.
The Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House returned the favor by presenting Mac with a hand knitted Veterans blanket on his arrival.
Frank was born in Traer, IA on March 30, 1917. He grew up in Cedar Rapids where he attended Coe College, receiving his Commerce & Finance degree in 1940. He then attained a Masters of School Administration from the University of Iowa. Frank served in Patton’s Army from 1942-1946, serving in the 378th Infantry, 95th Division. He was awarded the Bronze Star, European/African/Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 3 battle stars, the Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award, the Meritorious Service Unit Insignia, and attained the rank of Captain. Frank was a life member of the VFW Post 788 of Cedar Rapids and past member of the American Legion and Elks.
After his service in the Army, Frank taught math in several different schools before settling into a 28 year stay at Cedar Rapids Roosevelt. He coached throughout his teaching career and retired from Roosevelt in 1979.
Frank is survived by his sons Ted McLeod (Val) of Cedar Rapids, Clark (Mary) McLeod of Cedar Rapids; grandchildren Tamara (Mark) Berg, Angela (Brian) Lee, Brian McLeod, Holly (John) Gilliland, Aaron (Tracy) McLeod; great grandchildren Rachel, Aaron, Morgan, Erica, Austin, Jacob, Madison, Max, Emma and Ben.
“Mac” will be remembered by his friends for his great sense of humor, his booming voice and his ‘gentlemanly’ manner, by his student athletes as “Coach” and by his family for his passion to live and love life to the fullest.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in honor of Frank to Coe College.