Leonard Keith Simpson

Obituary of Leonard Keith Simpson

Please share a memory of Leonard to include in a keepsake book for family and friends.
View Tribute Book

Leonard Keith Simpson, age 88, of Newton, Iowa, passed away on August 11, 2025, at Park Centre in Newton.
Leonard was born in Knoxville, Iowa, on September 1, 1936, to Dale Arthur Simpson and Montie Jane (Heck) Simpson. He moved with his family to Newton in 1948 and graduated from Newton High School in 1956.

On February 22, 1957, he married Marlene Ellen Koppin, and together they raised two children, Dorinda and Michael. Leonard worked at Maytag from 1954 until his retirement in 1984. After retirement, he assisted auctioneer Bill Shields until 2016. In 1986, he moved to a house in the Metz area; while living there, he enjoyed raising calves each year and spending time outdoors fishing and hunting. Leonard also had a deep love for country music, which was a constant part of his life. In 2011, he moved back to Newton and, in 2022, made his home at Park Centre.

Those left to cherish Leonard's memory are his son, Michael (Suzanne) Simpson of Livingston, TN; his daughter, Dorinda (Joseph) Diehm of Newton; and his grandchildren, Rana (Andrew) Schmidt of Grandview, MO, Jason Simpson of Boston, MA, Stephanie Simpson of Colorado Springs, CO, and Thomas Simpson of Colorado Springs, CO.

Leonard was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Marlene, on July 29, 2004; his sister, Geneva; brother-in-law, Lawrence; several nieces and nephews; and his special friend, Marlene Moorman.

A funeral service for Leonard will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at Pence-Reese Funeral Home in Newton. The family will greet friends from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 15, at Memorial Park Cemetery in Newton.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Dorinda Diehm to assist with funeral expenses.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Leonard Simpson, please visit Tribute Store