Leo Eastwood Obituary
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service - Iowa City on Oct. 17, 2025.
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Obituary of Leo Dale Eastwood
Leo Dale Eastwood, 80, of Solon, Iowa, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.
Born April 17, 1945, to Leroy Eastwood and Marcella (Hartman) Eastwood Marshek. Leo lived a full, vibrant life rooted in community, hard work, and unwavering love for his family.
Leo was a man of many talents and a true entrepreneur at heart. He dedicated over 25 years as an Iowa City Police Officer and Detective for the University of Iowa (1970–1996), before retiring to pursue his entrepreneurial passions full-time with his son Brian, whom he was so proud to be working alongside side of, and together they ran Eastwood Construction, one of many businesses that reflected Leo's industrious spirit and boundless energy.
Over the years, Leo owned and operated numerous beloved establishments in the Iowa City area, including the Dairy Queen in both Solon and Iowa City, the 2nd Ave Restaurant, Maid-Rite in Eastdale Plaza, Westdale Mall Security (Eastwood Security) and the original Hobby Corner in Iowa City, which he co-founded with his dear friend and business partner, Ken Saylor. Most recently, Leo poured his heart into Eastwood's Sports Bar in Solon - a true labor of love that brought together his passion for food, people, and sports. A very special thanks to Sam Lensng's support over the years! Leo couldn't of done it without you!
Leo loved nothing more than being surrounded by others. He could talk to anyone about anything and was always quick with a story, a laugh, or a bit of wisdom. A lifelong Iowa Hawkeye fan and devoted Chicago Cubs supporter, Leo found joy in watching games, especially with his daughter, Kiley, by his side at Wrigley Field. He cherished casino trips to Meskwaki with his daughter Amy and treasured visits to California to spend time with his son Terry. Leo was grateful to his son Scott, who stood by his side and cared for him throughout his last few years.
Family was everything to Leo. He is survived by his five children: Terry (Danielle) Eastwood, Amy (Corey) Donaldson, Brian (Brienne) Eastwood, Scott Eastwood, and Kiley (Jake Gray) Eastwood. He was a proud grandfather to Seth Eastwood, Hunter Wilson, Brock (Alyssa) Donaldson, Hailey (Justin) Speers, Cooper Eastwood, Emily Eastwood, Ayla Eastwood, and Alexis Eastwood; and a loving great-grandfather to Paityn and Cole Speers and Sutton Donaldson. His deep bond with Ayla and Alexis was especially profound - a connection that will never be forgotten.
Leo is also survived by his cousin, Rusty (Amber) Hartman, who provided steadfast support and companionship throughout the years. Rusty, your presence in Leo's life meant more than words can express. It was also very special to Leo to have many extra hands from Lincoln, Kolten, Gage and Ryker helping out at Eastwood's.
Leo was immensely grateful for the love and care shown to him, especially in his later years. The Eastwood family extends heartfelt thanks to the dedicated staff at Eastwood's Sports Bar, who helped keep the dream alive during Leo's absences, as well as the entire community of Solon for the support throughout the years. A special thank you goes to Kristina Butler, whose strength and leadership during Leo's many hospital stays did not go unnoticed - Leo truly appreciated everything you did.
Above all else, Leo loved his family unconditionally. His heart was big enough to welcome many others into it - acquiring "bonus" sons and daughters along the way. His legacy of love, laughter, and relentless drive will live on in every life he touched.
His quick-witted one liners will be missed by all.
Leo is proceeded in death by his parents, Leroy and Marcella (Hartman) Eastwood Marshek, brother James (Hazel) Eastwood, and his beloved grandson, Stephen Eastwood.
A celebration of Leo's life will be held Saturday, November 1, 2025 from 11-3pm at the Solon American Legion, where stories will be shared, laughter will echo, and Leo's spirit will be honored in the way he would've wanted - surrounded by friends, family, and community. Leo's wishes was for everyone to wear their favorite Hawkeye or Cubs apparel.
Rest easy, Dad. You gave us everything, and then some. We'll carry you with us always