Mahlon Dean Leichty

KALONA ? Mahlon Dean Leichty, 83, of Kalona, died Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2016, in Iowa City from complications following a stroke.

Celebration of life will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 3, at Kalona Mennonite Church with the Rev. Scott Swartzendruber of Kalona and the Rev. Howard Keim of Hesston, Kansas, officiating. Burial will follow at Sharon Hill Cemetery in Kalona. Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m., Friday at the church, with family present from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Memorial funds may be given to Kalona Mennonite Church or Iowa City Hospice Agency. Yoder-Powell Funeral Home in Kalona is caring for Mahlon and his family.

Mr. Leichty was born March 21, 1933, at home in rural Wayland, the son of William and Ada Mae Roth. He married Delores Marlene Gnagey on Sept. 12, 1954, at East Union Mennonite Church.

He graduated from Wayland High School in 1952. He attended Hesston Academy for the winter term. Beginning in the summer of 1953, he served in IW service for two years at Oakdale Sanitarium. He worked as a carpenter for over 50 years. He was a man with music in his heart. From singing in quartets and with family, to being church chorister from age 19, he was always singing. He sang at many funerals and weddings. He was a family man, known for providing a solid Christian home where friends were always welcome. He was an active member of Kalona Mennonite Church, serving as Sunday school superintendent and teacher, church council, building committee, and MCC Relief Sales. He enjoyed building pieces of furniture for his children, grandchildren, and others.

Surviving are his wife of nearly 62 years, Delores, of Kalona; four children, Allen Leichty and wife Merridy of Wellman, Deb Hochstetler and husband Lynn of Kalona, Carla Yoder and husband Keith of Dunlap, Illinois, and Bev Swartzentruber and husband Jeff of Kalona; 11 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Harold, and Glen.