Leonard “Butts” Langel, 92, of Le Mars passed away on Wednesday, December 17, 2014 at Park Place Estates in Le Mars. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, December 22, 2014 at All Saints Catholic Parish- St. Joseph Church in Le Mars. Father Kevin Richter will celebrate Mass. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Le Mars. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday at St. Joseph Church. A Knights of Columbus Rosary will begin at 4:00 p.m. with a Scriptural Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. There will also be one hour of visitation at the church prior to Mass on Monday.

Leonard Francis Langel was born on November 16, 1922 on the family farm in Plymouth County, Iowa to Leo and Pauline (Rolfes) Langel. He graduated in 1940 from St. Joseph’s Catholic High School in Le Mars. After school, he began a lifelong career as a farmer.

On February 12, 1947 Leonard and Ardis Schleis were united in marriage at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mapleton, Iowa. They made their home on the farm where they raised their family. Along with farming, Butts measured grain bins for the FSA.

Butts was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Le Mars where he ushered and led the rosary. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and a strong supporter of Gehlen Catholic Schools. Butts enjoyed socializing, playing cards and bowling. He was considered an “Honorary Member of the American Legion”. Many will miss his “One Thumb Salutes” and whisker rubs. Above all, his two greatest passions were his wife of 53 years and farming.

Grateful to have shared his life are his children Rebecca (Lyle) Solko of Worthing, SD, Beth (William) Schlichte of Le Mars, IA, Beverly (Jerry) Ewing of Wellington, CO, Douglas (Jackie) Langel of Le Mars, IA; grandchildren, Erin Solko, Bryan (Kami) Solko, Kyle Solko, Kari Solko, Jacob (Rochelle) Chapman, Emily Claussen, Adam Chapman, Nicholas (Samantha) Schlichte, Rochelle Schlichte, Brittney (fiance Michael Ruba) Schlichte, Merrissa Schlichte, Billi Sue (fiance Todd Rigby) Ewing, Garrett Ewing, Gabe Ewing, Lindsey (Jonathan) Huss, Austin Langel, Jeremy (Andrea) Langel, Ryan (Diana) Langel, Katelin Langel; 13 great-grandhchildren; sisters, Vi Kellen of Le Mars, IA and MaryLou Straub of Ft. Collins, CO, sisters-in-law, Olga Langel of Ft. Collins, CO and Joyce Langel of Le Mars, IA; brothers-in-law, Richard Tierney of Rockford, IL; a brother-in-law, Gib Zieman of Denison, IA.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Ardis; a son, Carey; a daughter, Geralyn; sisters, Bernice Tierney and an infant sister Ann; brothers, Clarence (Julie), Donald (Harriet), Roman (Clarice), Richard, Marvin and infant brother LeRoy; brothers and sisters-in-law, Le Roy Kellen, Leonard Straub, Louise (Harry Sampson and Leonard Horn) Horn, Virginia (Leon Hansel) Zieman, Maxine (Jim) Newman, Bob Schleis, and an infant brother-in-law Bill Schleis.

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