Leon Leroy “Leo” Wilson, 90, of Birkwood Village in Fort Madison, formally of Donnellson, passed away Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 10:57 a.m. at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in Fort Madison.
He was born January 12, 1935, in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, to Leonard and Evelyn Peterson Wilson. On June 13, 1954, he married Yvonne Klingler of Donnellson.
He started school in West Point, Iowa, at the public school in the park, and then another two years in Aransas and back to Donnellson for his remaining years working road construction with his father. He became a partner in the business with his brother and father in 1956, until he took ownership of the company in 1970 until his retirement in 1991. In 1976 he owned and operated the Wilson Stone Quarry in Donnellson.
He enjoyed fixing up old farm tractors and construction equipment, purchasing farms and cleaning them up for resale, as well as watching NASCAR races, Iowa Hawkeyes and western movies. He also loved hunting mushrooms.
Loe was a member of St. Pauls United Church of Christ Church in Donnellson. He was a fifty year plus member of the George Washington Masonic Lodge AF&AM #137. He was a Scottish Right 32nd degree Mason of the K.A.A.B.A. Shriners Temple.
Leon was a man of his word and handshake just like his father.
Survivors include his wife: Yvonne of seventy years and nine months marriage; two sons: Fred (friend Donna) Wilson of Fort Madison, Jeff (Sallie Pikrone) Wilson of Donnellson; brother: Carroll (Vi) Wilson of Fort Madison; sister: Barbara (Wilson) Frow of Amarillo, Texas; four grandchildren: Michael Wilson of Argyle, Iowa, Joshua Wilson of Athens, Alabama, Kyle (Amy) Pikrone of Dover, Tennessee and Kaylie (Sammie) Alibasic of Chicago, Illinois. Also surviving are his sister-in-law: Janet (Klingler) Hodge and brother-in-law: Robert Klingler and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
Leon was preceded in death by his parents; son: Douglas Alan Wilson and brothers-in-law: Bill Frow and Fred Hodge.
Per Leon’s wishes, cremation has been entrusted to the crematory of Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson, with no formal services or visitations at this time.
A private family burial will be held at a later date at Evangelical Cemetery near Donnellson.
Memorials have been established in his memory for the Shriners Childrens Hospital and can be mailed to Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson at P.O. Box 56 Donnellson, Iowa 52625.
Schmitz Funeral Home of Donnellson is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com
