Regal, Leland Edward

Leland Edward Regal, 85, of Marion, died July 2, 2013, at Veterans Community Living Center in Des Moines from colon cancer. A private military burial will be scheduled at a later date, with interment at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in McGregor.

Condolences and memorials can be sent c/o Stanton E. Regal, 1707 Maple Dr. NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403. It is the family's wish to donate memorials in his honor to the Tall Corn 99 Chapter of the Korean Veterans of America organization.

Leland was born Aug. 20, 1928, at home in McGregor, Iowa, to Edward W. and Ruby M. (O'Brien) Regal, the oldest of three children. He grew up in McGregor, living for a time at Effigy Mounds State Park while his father worked as a park manager. He attended Marquette (Iowa) Schools, graduating in 1946. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War from 1952-1954, stationed mostly in Japan. While serving during the Korean War, he fell in love with photography. He was honorably discharged from service in 1954. In March 1958, he was united in marriage to Susan Rae Stanton-Taube, of Marion, at the United Methodist Church in Marion. Leland and Susan were married 50 years until her death in 2008.

Lee was employed by a variety of Cedar Rapids-based businesses, including Pacific International Express (PIE), Cargill, Hawkeye Refrigerated Trucking, Transport America Trucking, Agri-Management Services, and Times Photo. For several years, Lee and his brother, Dennis of McGregor owned the Prairie du Chien (Wisconsin) Marina. In addition, he spent over 40 years teaching photography for the Adult Education Division of Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids.

He was a member of a variety of service organizations, including Optimists, Elks, and Traffic club. He was a proud member and vice president of Tall Corn Chapter 99 of the Korean Veterans Association of Iowa.

Lee was an avid boater, enjoying his time, a good martini, and a cigar on the Mississippi aboard the Tortola III. In addition, his other hobbies included model railroading and reading about the history of World War II. He will be remembered for his lively storytelling and colorful language by all who knew him.

He is survived by his children, Karen L. (Gary) Regal-Johnson of Mason City and Stanton E. Regal of Cedar Rapids; his brother, Dennis (Betty) Regal of McGregor; and many extended family and friends who will miss him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and his sister, Alice Regal Kyle.

Arrangements by Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Marion.

Please sign the online guest book for Leland atunder obituaries.

Published July 4, 2013, in The Gazette