Leonard H. Adams
Leonard Henry Adams, husband of Arleen Adams, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 20, 2015, in Houston, Texas at the age of 93.
Visitation and funeral services were Friday, May 29, at the Linwood Cemetery in the Mueller Memorial Chapel, Dubuque.
Military rites followed the service.
Arrangements were handled by Tuecke-Allyn Funeral Home of Guttenberg.
Leonard was born in Turkey River, on June 19, 1921, son of Peter and Mary Adams. He grew up on his family farm and received an Associate’s Degree from Elkader Junior College. In 1942, he entered the Air Force to serve his country in World War II, and was stationed in Goose Bay, Labrador. He was one of thousands of young officers to be in Times Square, New York for the celebration of the end of World War II.
Upon his return from the war, he married Arleen Wittman on Dec. 27, 1945. They started their life together while he attended Loras College in Dubuque and received his B.S. degree in education. The couple then moved to Ames where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Iowa State University and earned his Private Pilot’s license as well. He then worked for Massey Harris for five years designing farm tractors. After moving to Rockford, Ill., he worked for Twin Disc as a mechanical engineer for 30 years. As a design engineer for Twin Disc he traveled extensively throughout the United States, Europe, Japan, England, Australia, and Canada, inspiring his family to explore the world as well. In 1968, he obtained his commercial pilot’s license and flew all over the U.S. as a hobby. He held many positions in the Society of Automotive Engineers and the Blackhawk Flying Club, and was honored with the SAE award of distinction for 30 years of volunteer service.
His patient, loving nature will always be an inspiration to all, as well as his work ethic and strong commitment to his family as a loving husband, father, and grandfather.
Left behind to remember him and continue his legacy are his loving wife, Arleen, daughter, Nancy Adams Blume with son-in-law, Jerry Blume, daughter, LuAnn Adams Turley with son-in-law, Wendal Turley. He is also survived and held in loving memory by his four grandchildren, Nicole Adams Blume, Clare Adams Blume, Elyse Adams Turley with fiancé, Joshua Weed, and Grace Adams Turley.
