Leon Arthur Schemmel

Leon Schemmel, 89, of Iowa City, passed away on October 6, 2024.
A rosary will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at Lensing Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City, followed by visitation from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. A funeral service will commence at 11:30 a.m., with interment and military honors to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Iowa City at 2:00 p.m. In place of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pleasantview or UI Health Care Stead Family Children's Hospital.
Born on January 10, 1935, in Granville, Iowa, Leon was the son of Alphonse and Rose (Spieler) Schemmel. He grew up in Marshalltown and graduated from Marshalltown High School. Leon proudly served in the United States Army as a helicopter mechanic and continued in the Army Reserves after his discharge. He pursued higher education at Iowa State University, earning a degree in Civil Engineering. Leon began his career in construction with the American Bridge Company in Chicago. He later worked for The Dayton Hudson Corporation, Knutson Construction and MKK Corporation. After retirement, Leon enjoyed working with the maintenance crew at Finkbine Golf Course.
In 1965, Leon met Ruth, the love of his life, on a flight from Chicago to Moline. They married in 1966 and had three children, Amy, Julie, and Andrew.
Leon cherished fishing with his brothers, playing cards, and planning family road trips. He had a sweet tooth, particularly for a peach pie made by Ruth, and was known as a master handyman, often tinkering with home projects. His unwavering faith in God and Catholicism was a cornerstone of his life. Above all, Leon treasured time spent with his family, especially attending his grandchildren's events. His gentle spirit and kindness will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Ruth; daughters Amy (Jeff) Keller and Julie (Jon) Bach; grandchildren Claire Keller, Jack Keller, Isabelle Bach, and Emma Bach; brothers Don (Mary Lou) Schemmel, Tom (Mary Pat) Schemmel, and Bob (Susie) Schemmel; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Andrew and sister Helene (Matt) Edel.
The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Pleasantview in Kalona for their exceptional care and compassion shown to Leon and continued support for Ruth.