Leo Buchtela

Leo James Buchtela was born on March 16, 1923, to James and Anna (Plower) Buchtela in Churchtown, Iowa.

Leo worked for Rath Packing Plant in Waterloo, Iowa and Wardell Case in Oelwein, Iowa as a mechanic. He also worked as a farm hand and did custom farm work for several years. On March 17, 1962, Leo was united in marriage to Avis Hayes Lauer at the First Presbyterian Church in Hazleton, Iowa. The couple farmed in rural Fayette for many years.

Leo passed away on Saturday, February 15, 2014, at Gundersen Lutheran Hospital in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. He loved dancing, farm sales and watching westerns on television. His prize possession were his mules and horses and he was a member of Saddle Club.

He is survived by his stepchildren; Lynette (Dale) Mork of West Union, Jerry (Judy) Lauer of Independence, Iowa, and Vernon (Linnea) Lauer of Forest, Virginia; three nieces, Lynn (Joe) Schwinghammer, Laura (Donnie) Bjorheim, and Janet (James) Webb; a niece-in-law, Amanda Buchtela; several step-grandchildren; two great nieces; a great nephew; and friends Donna (Jerry) Blue as well as a host of other friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Anna Buchtela; wife, Avis; two brothers, Hubert and Robert; two sisters, Maxine and Grace; and a nephew, Leonard Buchtela.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, February 18, 2014, at 10:30 am at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Eldorado, Iowa with the Rev. Ginny Olson officiating. Burial will be held at a later date at St. Peter Cemetery.

Public visitation was held on Monday, February 17, 2014, from 4:30 pm until 7:30 pm at S.K. Rogers & Burnham-Wood Funeral Home in West Union, Iowa.

S.K. Rogers Funeral Home in West Union is in charge of the arrangements.     8u8