Leonard Earl Benter

Leonard E. Benter, 86, of Oelwein, Iowa died Friday morning, March 3, 2017 at Grandview Healthcare Center in Oelwein.
Funeral Service: 10:30 A.M. Monday, March 6, 2017 at Zion Lutheran Church in Oelwein with Pastor Dave Byrd officiating.
Visitation: 3:00 to 7:00 P.M. Sunday at the Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home in Oelwein and after 9:30 A.M. Monday at the church.
Interment: Hawkeye Cemetery, Hawkeye, Iowa.
A Memorial Fund has been established in his name.
Online obituary at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com
Leonard Earl Benter was born December 28, 1930 in rural Hawkeye, Iowa the son of George William and Lillian Clara (Lewig) Benter. He graduated from West Union High School in West Union, Iowa. On December 20, 1948, he was united in marriage to Betty Lou Springer at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hawkeye. Leonard farmed for many years in rural Hawkeye and was an auto mechanic for Iowa Motor Company in Oelwein. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Oelwein. Leonard enjoyed farming, gardening, motorcycling and golfing.
Leonard is survived by his wife: Betty Benter of Oelwein; 5 children: Larry (Judy) Benter of Sauk City, Wisconsin, Eileen (Paul) Fritz of Oelwein, Diane (George) Franks of Ames, Keith (Connie) Benter of Fredericksburg and Marcia (Joy) Hillman of Traer; 25 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; sister-in-law: Berna Deane Benter of Oelwein; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents: George and Lillian Benter; brother: Harold Benter; parents-in-law: Edward and Olinda Springer; and a nephew: Richard Benter.