Leonard E. Washburn

Leonard Everett Washburn, 90, of Clear Lake, died Saturday Nov. 15, 2014, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa, surrounded by his loving family.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2014, at the Evangelical Free Church, Clear Lake, with Rev. Gary Gonnerman officiating. Following the service due to his wishes, he was cremated. Inurnment will be held during a private service in the Grant Township Cemetery, Fertile, Iowa.  Memorials will be directed to Mary Beth Banning, a Missionary in Philippines or to Hospice of North Iowa.

Leonard was born Jan. 14, 1924, in Mason City, Iowa, the son of Donaldson Everett and Eva (Jones) Washburn.  He graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1941 and then attended Mason City Jr. College.  

He started working for Dick Hildgerdus as a painter and later went into business for himself as a painter and wall paperer.  He painted and wallpapered many homes in the Clear Lake area and was known for autographing the wall and leaving a little message on it, before he wallpapered.  

Leonard married Geraldine Humphrey on May 9, 1948, in the Gospel Tabernacle, Clear Lake.

He was known for his passion for the outdoors enjoyed camping, hunting and fishing trips up North and instilled a love and respect for God’s creation on his sons and their families.  He was an accomplished pianist and enjoyed playing the piano at the church and at Apple Valley.  He enjoyed telling stories and making people smile.  He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and attending his grandchildrens’ events. In his later years, Leonard and his wife enjoyed spending his time with the residents at Apple Valley Assisted Living Center. 

Leonard is survived by his wife, Geraldine  Washburn, Clear Lake; two sons, Lowell Everett (Carol) Washburn and Sterling Ray (Cindy) Washburn, Clear Lake; four grandchildren, Jennifer (Paul) Stover, Ankeny, Iowa, Justin (Leah) Washburn, Urbandale, Iowa, Matthew (Renee) Washburn, Clear Lake, and Melissa (Austin) Woodin, Ames, Iowa; eight great-grandchildren, Sydney Stover, Jayden Stover, Evelyn Washburn, Natalie Washburn, Riley Washburn, Harper Woodin, Graydan Woodin and Lochlyn Woodin; and sister-in-law, Romane Lovik, Fertile, Iowa.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a grandson, Travis Washburn.  

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.