Leroy "Lee" Meppelink

Leroy “Lee” Meppelink, age 84, of Toledo, Iowa passed away on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at Unity Point Health- Allen Hospital in Waterloo.

Per Leroy and his family’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. No formal services have been scheduled at this time. Mitchell Family Funeral Home of Marshalltown has been entrusted with the care of Leroy and his family. Memorials may be directed to the family for a later designation. To leave online condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph. 641-844-1234.

Leroy Meppelink was born October 27, 1940, the son of John and Treva (VandeKrol) Meppelink. He received most of his education in the Lynnville-Sully Community School District. On March 24, 1977, Lee was united in marriage to the love of his life, Joan Smith, in Newton, Iowa.

In his younger years, prior to becoming a trucker, Leroy was part of the amateur rodeo circuit. Lee was a long-haul truck driver for the majority of his working life. At various times throughout his career, he either drove for himself or drove for a specific company. In his free time, he enjoyed attending a good rodeo, mowing his lawn, playing Solitaire, watching westerns and listening to older country music. More than anything else, he loved spending time with his grandchildren and was well-known for his great storytelling abilities.

Lee is survived by his wife of 48 years, Joan; his children: Kenneth (Pam) Meppelink of Texas, Rick Meppelink of Iowa, Cynthia Lunn of Ankeny, IA, Sandra (David) Hodapp of Kentucky, Laurie (Lance) Flynn of Garwin, IA, Sandra Walker of Toledo, IA, Diana Dolezal of Des Moines, IA, Rodney Dolezal of Marshalltown, IA, Tim (Trisha) Dolezal of Montour, IA and Denise (Ben) Thomazin of Chelsea, IA; 21 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and his three siblings: Jerry Meppelink and Phyllis (Larry) Falk, both of Missouri, and Jim (Annette) Meppelink of Oklahoma. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Leroy is preceded in death by his parents: John and Treva; his son, William Henson; two brothers: David and Kenneth Meppelink; his granddaughter, Abigail; his son-in-law, Jefferey Lunn; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Edgar and Lucille Smith; and his brother-in-law, Dale Smith.