Irma Kathleen Leonard

Irma Kathleen Leonard

Monticello

Irma Kathleen Leonard, 91, of Monticello, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 3, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She is now reunited with the love of her life, her late husband, Mark, who passed away on July 4, 2025. The two shared a remarkable 70 years of marriage. She now joins him in heaven, where their love story continues.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Monticello. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 11:00 AM at the church prior to the Mass. Interment will follow at the Sacred Heart Cemetery. Following the interment, a Celebration of Irma’s Life will be held at the Monticello Eagles Club. Entrusted with the arrangements is Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home.

Irma Kathleen Leonard was born on January 24, 1934, in Langworthy, Iowa, the daughter of John and Elsie (Ommen) Oltmann. She graduated from Monticello High School with the Class of 1952 and was employed for two years at Collins Radio. On January 22, 1955, Irma married Mark Leonard, at St. Patrick’s Church in Anamosa, Iowa.

Irma was a devoted homemaker who took great pride in caring for her family, her home, and their farm. Together, she and Mark built a life rooted in love, hard work, and faith. Their farm was their pride and joy, and for more than 60 years, it was the place they called home.

Irma loved spending time with her family and friends, and her round kitchen table was always a gathering place filled with laughter, stories, and love — along with plenty of homemade cookies, banana bread, and cake to share. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life: tending her garden and flower beds, sewing, baking, and curling up with a good Amish novel. She was an exceptional seamstress, altering hundreds of prom and wedding dresses. Known affectionately as the "Zipper Lady," she also skillfully sewed countless patches.

A creative and faith-filled soul, Irma had a lifelong love of music. She was a self-taught pianist who shared her gift generously, playing the organ for more than 50 years at the Catholic church. Irma’s joyful spirit shone through in everything she did — especially when she discovered a great bargain at a garage sale. Her light-hearted humor, warm smile, and generous heart made every moment spent with her feel special.

Irma is survived by her two daughters, Diane Leonard-Leibold and Janine (Bob) Bossard, both of Monticello; ten grandchildren, Shawna (Dan) Beitz, Hans (Danielle) Leonard, Heidi (Cody) Benson, Dustin (Samantha) Lumpa, Jasmine (Andy) Norman, Isaac (Tara) Leonard, Joshua Leibold, Jordan (Jane) Leonard, Hailee Bossard, and Riley Bossard; and eight great-grandchildren, Nathan and Tyler Beitz, Cody and Aymslee Norman, Mila and Asher Lumpa, and Noah and Emersyn Leonard.

She is also survived by her sister, Eleanor Muller; brother-in-law, Robert (Lois) Leonard; and many loving nieces, nephews, her Colorado family, extended family members, and countless friends who held a special place in her heart.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Mark; her son, Michael Leonard; three brothers, Marvin, Raymond, and Eugene Oltmann; her sister, Audrey Reiter; and her nephew, Shawn Leonard.

Irma will be remembered for her steadfast faith, her generous heart, and the warmth she brought to every life she touched. Her love of family and her joyful laughter will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Up until the end, Irma exemplified kindness, grace, and compassion, and she cherished beauty in all its forms. A heartfelt thank-you to Above and Beyond Hospice for the gentle care and compassion they provided to Irma.

In memory of Irma, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Above & Beyond Hospice Care in Monticello, in lieu of flowers.

Online condolences for the family can be shared at www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.