Machan, Leo Joseph

Leo Joseph Machan, 92, formerly of Elberon, died Friday, Nov. 18, 2011, in Conway Springs, Kan. Graveside services, with military rites, will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 23, at National Cemetery, Vining, by Deacon Joe Behounek. Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Hrabak Funeral Home in Belle Plaine.

He is survived by daughters, Constance (Richard) Jesina of Claremore, Okla., and Dorene Swanson of Hampton; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Leo was born March 20, 1919, in Chelsea, Iowa, to Florian and Frances (Malota) Machan. He graduated from the Elberon High School in 1936. He married Ruth M. Kalina on Sept. 12, 1936, in Reynolds, Ill. They made their home in Iowa, Tennessee, and California.

Leo entered the U.S. Army in November 1936 and was discharged the first time in March 1939. He worked for the U.S. Postal Service before re-enlisting in February 1942 and retired May 1, 1974, as a command sergeant major. Leo served his country in the Solomon Islands, New Guinea, Louzon, and Japan during World War II, as well as Korea and Vietnam. Over his 30-year military career he was also stationed in Germany, Thailand, and Laos, in addition to numerous posts in the United States.

Leo was preceded in death by his parents; wife; two brothers, Leonard and Francis; and sister, Marie Novotny.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at  under “obituaries.”

Published Nov. 21, 2011, in The Gazette

Correction made re: military rank and published Nov. 24, 2011, in The Gazette