Leonard "Lenny" Whitaker

Leonard A. Whitaker, age 82, of Marshalltown, Iowa, formerly of Rockford, Illinois, passed away on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 at the Iowa River Hospice Home in Marshalltown. A visitation for Leonard will take place on Friday, July 16 from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown. He will be laid to rest at Greenwood Cemetery in Rockford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Make a Wish Foundation of Iowa or another preferred charity. For additional questions or to leave a condolence, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234. Leonard was born on July 27, 1938 in Rockford, Illinois to parents Leonard Everett and Leota (Felper) Whitaker. After his graduation from Rockford Senior High School in 1956, he entered the United States Navy, where he served aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Saratoga CVA-60. After being honorably discharged in 1959, he returned to Rockford, where he worked with his father in his painting business. In 1961, Leonard was employed by a local manufacturing company, where he worked until his retirement in 1994. After his retirement, he moved to Marshalltown, Iowa.  In his free time, Leonard enjoyed playing golf, watching football and gardening. Leonard is survived by Connie Sanford of Marshalltown and several other cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister in infancy and his beloved cats, Ariel and Bodacious.