Memorial
Thomas Richard Leitch was born March 29, 1928, in New Hampton, Iowa. He grew up in Winneshiek County, attending Waucoma High School and two years at Upper Iowa University. Tom served in the United States Marine Corps from 1946-1948, with duty in North China.
Tom married Avis Hanson on April, 29 1949 in Staples, Minnesota. They farmed together in West Union, Fayette County until 1968. He worked for Sanitary Farm Dairy, Land O' Lakes Dairy, and Swiss Valley Farms, retiring in 1990. He died on October 25, 2009 from complications of a stroke and Asbestosis.
Survivors include Avis, his wife of 60 years; two sisters, Rosemary Hanson of West Union and Isabell Wegner of Des Moines, two sons, Reverend Joel S. of Tulsa, OK and Samuel T. of Hiawatha, and three daughters, Laura Lee Ryan (Bill) of Imperial Beach, California, Susan Berk (Jeff) of Vacaville, California, and Kathleen Riggle (Ron) of Swisher, Iowa, 10 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Samuel and Zenita Leitch.
Tom was known for his quick wit, mechanical mind, love of history, and green thumb. Tom was a devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to many. He was always first in line to help any friends or neighbors in need.
In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established at Swisher Bank and Trust, 59 Rose Ave SW Swisher, IA 52338. We would like to extend a special thank-you to the Solon Care Center and Mercy Hospital Hospice in Cedar Rapids.
A visitation will be held at the Cedar Memorial Westside Chapel 1221 1st Ave. SW Cedar Rapids on Wednesday, October 28, 2009 from 4 P.M. to 8 P.M. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 29, 2009 at 3:00 P.M with Reverend Tom Carver, of Shueyville United Methodist Church officiating. A visitation will be held before the service starting at 2:00 P.M at the Cedar Memorial Westside Chapel 1221 1st Ave. SW Cedar Rapids.