Eugene L. "Dutch" Leonard, 89, of Pocahontas, passed away on Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at the Pocahontas Community Hospital in Pocahontas, Iowa.

Eugene Laurence Leonard was born on September 26, 1934 in Mallard, Iowa to Laurence "Curley" Leonard and Anna Ruth (Horan) Leonard. The family moved to Pocahontas in 1947. Dutch attended Pocahontas High School where he excelled as a four-sport athlete in football, basketball, baseball and track. In 1954, he married Irene Mehl and they had three children, Debbie, Sandy, and Mitch.

Dutch continued his love of sports as an official for 25 years and was inducted into the Boys and Girls Basketball Hall of Fame in 1989 and 1994, respectively. During his career, he was selected to referee at the state tournament many times including one Girls State Championship Game. In addition, he was selected to officiate one State Football Championship Game.

Dutch had a long and successful business career in several diverse industries. He owned and operated Farm and Home True Value stores in Humboldt and Eagle Grove, the All-Star Steak House in Humboldt and ADF Pressure Washing Distribution Company in Woodland, CA. Dutch's business success was driven by his desire to provide the best for his family and afford them opportunities that he didn't have growing up. He took immense pride in following the personal and professional accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. He was one proud Dad and Grandpa!

Dutch was a member of the Resurrection of Our Lord Catholic Church and was a past member of numerous civic and community organizations in the communities where he resided.

Dutch was an avid golfer when his health allowed and always an Iowa Hawkeye fan. His three children, two grandchildren and daughter-in-law all attended Iowa so he attended many football games through the years. Later in life, he hardly missed a televised sporting event unless an episode of Gunsmoke was on television.

Dutch cherished his many special friends over the years in all parts of the country. He had no problem making new friends and was always more than willing to help others. He loved to share jokes with friends and typically laughed the loudest about his own jokes. Health issues in later years altered his zest for life but occasionally his sense of humor came to the forefront.

Survivors include his wife of 69 years, Irene, two daughters and one son, Deb Leonard of Des Moines, Sandy (Mike) Phillips of Winterset and Mitch (Nancie) Leonard of Iowa City, six grandchildren, Cassandra, Amanda, Michelle, Michael, Hannah and Xavier, and four great grandchildren, Deacon, Riley, Raylyn and Aydn. Dutch was preceded in death by his parents, brother Charles (Helen) Leonard, sister Madonna (Don) Allen and nephew Jeff Leonard.