Leo Ertz

Leo Leonard, son of Jacob and Rose (Meyer) Ertz, was born June 8, 1917, at Maple River, Iowa. The family lived near town and he attended school in Maple River. Following his schooling he worked as a truck driver for Heider Manufacturing and then for various Carroll County farmers. On May 28, 1941, Leo was united in marriage with Irene Steffes at Holy Angels Church in Roselle. Six children were born to this union. When the family lived in Templeton, Leo worked grinding feed with his hammer mill for area farmers. He also worked for the Bock Chevy garage as a mechanic for a few years. Leo then farmed in the Westside and Manilla areas. The family moved into Manilla in June of 1961. Leo worked in road maintenance and equipment operation for Crawford County for twenty years, until his retirement in June of 1979. Leo and Irene enjoyed fishing, camping and gardening. Leo was "Mr. Fix-It" for everyone in Manilla, and he loved tinkering with anything mechanical or electrical. Leo was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Manilla. Leo's health declined, and he and Irene both moved to the Manilla Manor on November 7, 2013. Leo died there on Friday, December 13, 2013, at the age of 96 years, 6 months and 5 days. He is preceded in death by his parents; twin brother John Ertz (Norma); brother Ray Ertz; half-brother Earnest Kokenge (Shirley); and son-in-law Garnie Sievertsen. Leo is survived by his wife Irene Ertz of Manilla; six children: Joleen Sievertsen of Manilla; Elaine Johnson (Ron) of Ft. Dodge; Sharon Mosher (Richard) of Moravia; Allan Ertz (Carol) of Des Moines; Norman Ertz (Renae) of Denison; and Brian Ertz (Michele) of Manilla; 14 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; 11 step great grandchildren; sister-in-law Marie Ertz of Glidden; in-laws: Betty Wittrock, Florence Kokenge, Bernice Irlmeier and Lawrence Steffes, all of Carroll; Coletta Wernimont (Leo) of Fonda; and Dixie Steffes of New Hampton; other relatives and friends. Reverend Robert Gralapp, Celebrant Gift Bearers Leo's Granddaughters Music "Here I Am, Lord" "Amazing Grace" "How Great Thou Art" "On Eagle's Wings" Sacred Heart Choir Casket Bearers Leo's Grandchildren Jeffrey Sievertsen, Dennis Onken, Donny Ertz, David Ertz, Jeremy Ertz, Josh Ertz, Jacob Ertz, Lori Gaskill, Lisa Borkowski, Sandy Koenen, Stacy Steward, Daniel Ertz, Allyssa Ertz, Jennifer Gaskill and Great-Grandchildren Kayla Jacobson, Jarad Gaskill, Lukas Sievertsen, Lynsie Sievertsen, Branden Carlson, Caden Borkowski, Kyle Borkowski, Emma Borkowski, Dennis Onken, Diana Onken, Alex Koenen, Joey Koenen, Noah Ertz, Chloe Steward, Megan Steward, David Ertz, Daniel Ertz Interment Mt. Olivet Cemetery near Manilla, Iowa Leo's family thanks you for your many kindnesses and invites you for lunch and fellowship at the parish hall following the committal service.