1932 – Leonard Henry Tellinghuisen – 2016
Leonard Henry Tellinghuisen was born on September 21, 1932, to Paul and Gertie (Funk) Tellinghuisen, in Sibley, Iowa. Leonard attended school at Viola #5 near his family farm outside of Sibley. He attended leadership military school and CBR training in Japan before being a Corporal in the Korean War from 1953 to 1955. He then farmed on his family farm after being released from the Army. On March 17, 1959, he married Henrietta (Henri) Van Dyke and moved to a farm outside of Sheldon, Iowa. In 1967, they moved to their current farm outside of Slayton, Minn. During his farming career, Leonard was also a dealer for ACCO Seed for many years and earned several awards and trips throughout his salesman years. Leonard was a deacon and elder at the First Reformed Church where he also taught Sunday school for 25 years. Leonard enjoyed being a snowbird with Henri from 1998-2015 outside of Phoenix, Ariz., in their fifth-wheel camper. In addition to his love for camping, Leonard also enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards and visiting with family and friends as favorite past times. Leonard passed away on Wednesday, June 29, 2016 at Mt. Park Senior Living in Phoenix, AZ at the age of 83.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife and children, Terry Tellinghuisen of Brandon, S. Dak.; Leon Tellinghuisen (Jonna) of Castle Rock, Colo.; Sharon Layman (Jim) of Phoenix, Ariz.; and Cindy Seres of Worthington, Minn. In addition, Leonard’s grandchildren were a special enjoyment to him and will be missed by Evan & Ethan and their mother Debbie Tellinghuisen; Shonna Allison (Nik), Lyndsi, Jori & Shayla Tellinghuisen; Stephanie & Katie Layman; Sean, Katerena & Tiffany Seres; and two great-grandchildren Aly & Nathan Allison and one brother, Henry “Hank” Tellinghuisen of Boone, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Hiram and Marvin Tellinghuisen; and a sister, Grace Funk
A memorial service will be Tuesday, July 12, 10:30 a.m. at the First Reformed Church in Slayton with Pastor Aaron Punt officiating. Burial will be at West Holman Township Cemetery in Sibley, Iowa.
Visitation will be Monday, July 11, 4-6 p.m. and Tuesday, July 12, 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the First Reformed Church. Interment will be at 2:00 p.m. in Sibley, IA. Memorials are preferred to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E Flower St, Phoenix, AZ 85014. Totzke Funeral Home of Slayton is entrusted with arrangements. To send condolences visit totzkefuneralhome.com
