Leonard William Buch

LEONARD WILLIAM BUCH

Fairfield

Leonard William Buch, 96, of Fairfield, IA, passed away on Friday, March 4, 2022, at the Jefferson County Health Care Center. A Memorial Mass will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, at the St. Mary Catholic Church in Fairfield, IA, with Father Nick Adam officiating. Visitation will be held on Monday, March 7, 2022, at St. Mary Catholic Church beginning at 2 p.m. with the family present to greet friends from 5 until 7 p.m. Burial will take place in the Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Fairfield at a later date. Memorial contributions in Leonard's honor may be directed to the The Well in Fairfield, The Lord's Cupboard, or to St. Mary Catholic Church. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Leonard William Buch was born on August 12, 1925, in Washington, IA, to Leo and Geneva Adrian Buch. He attended school in Keota, graduating with the Keota High School Class of 1943. Leonard had a love for agriculture and farming and at an early age decided that would be his career. On April 22, 1950, in Burlington, IA, Leonard married the love of his life, Joan Dunne. They remained by each other's side for over 71 years. During this time, they became the proud parents of eight children: Kathy, Chris, Linda, Jeff, Tim, Dan, Nancy and Brian. Leonard and Joan raised their children on the family farm near Fairfield where they raised row crops and pigs. Even though he was always busy on the farm Leonard was active in many local organizations such as the Elks, Access Energy Board, Pork Producers of Jefferson County, Farm Bureau, Jefferson County Fair Boar, Senior Citizens Center Board, Jefferson County Extension, and the Calu Board. Through all these commitments he always found time to be a loving husband and father. He always supported his children in their sporting events and as time passed, he found himself watching his grandchildren. When he managed to find free time he would call square dances, go bowling, and watch sports on television, especially boxing. Leonard's life was deeply rooted in his faith in God. He shared that faith with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and grew that faith at St. Mary Catholic Church in Fairfield. Leonard always had a positive outlook on life and even though he will be missed, his family takes comfort in knowing where he is, and the memories he leaves behind.

Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife, Joan Buch (2021); an infant son, Brian Buch; four siblings, Lloyd Buch, Bernadine Sheetz, Gene Buch and Keith Buch; three sisters-in-law, Kay Buch, Helen Buch and Joanne Buch; and one brother-in-law, Horace Sheetz.

Left to honor his memory are his children, Kathy (Dick) Reed of Hedrick, IA, Chris Buch of Fairfield, IA, Linda (Ron) Hunerdosse of Fairfield, IA, Jeff (Sue) Buch of Fairfield, IA, Tim (Bobbette) Buch of Pella, IA, Dan (Deb) Buch of Fairfield, IA, and Nancy (Jon) Hesseltine of Fairfield, IA; 19 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Donna Shelangoski and Evalee Mickey, as well as many extended family and friends.