Leo Macal

Leo Leroy Macal, age 86, of Decorah, Iowa, died on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at Accura Health Care Center in Cresco, Iowa.

Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Decorah Lutheran Church, 309 Winnebago St., Decorah, Iowa, with Pastor Peter Kowitz presiding. Burial with military rites will follow at the Freeport Cemetery. Lunch served following in the church basement.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the church on Tuesday.

Leo was born on July 7, 1939, in Decorah (Freeport), Iowa, the son of Ralph Macal and Myrtle (Severtsgaard) Macal. After graduating from high school, he proudly enlisted in the United States Navy, serving four years on active duty and an additional two years with the Seabees.

On March 30, 1963, Leo was united in marriage to Ardis Mae Lange in Thompson, Iowa. In November of 1963, he began his career at John Deere in Waterloo, Iowa, where he worked faithfully for 33½ years until his retirement. Following retirement, Leo and Ardis returned to Decorah to make their home.

Leo enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. He loved hunting and fishing, playing card games, watching the Iowa Hawkeyes, and spending time playing Sequence with family and friends. Time spent with those he loved meant the most to him.

Leo is survived by his wife, Ardis; two sons, Allen (Jo) of Hampton, Iowa, and Tim (Amy) of Winona, Minnesota; grandchildren Jeremie (Casee), Justin (Emily), Laken, Ellie, and Camrie; and great-grandchildren Luca and Luna Jo. He is also survived by his brother, Melvin; sisters-in-law Wilma Penny (Arlen) Pederson, Carol Lange and Kathy Lange Green; aunt Janice Severtsgaard; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Jeanette Williams; brother, Edwin Macal; uncle, James Severtsgaard; father and mother-in-law, Henry and Minda Lange; and one sister-in-law and three brothers-in-law.