Leroy Vibbard

Leroy “Roy” Vibbard, age 97, of Marshalltown, passed away on Friday, February 21st, at Harmony of Marshalltown.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5-7:00 p.m. Saturday, March 1st, at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home. Private interment will be at a later date in the Iowa River Church of the Brethren Cemetery. Full military honors will be presented by the combined Marshalltown VFW and American Legion Honor Guard at the visitation time.

Born on February 6th, 1928, in Jefferson Township, Marshall County, Iowa, he was the son of Clarence and Jennie (Halverson) Vibbard.

At the age of 15, he began working at Fisher Controls in Marshalltown until enlisting in the Army Air Corps in 1946. He served our country honorably until 1949, returning home, and being united in marriage to Leila Draegert on July 3rd, of that same year.

Leroy worked at Wilson’s Service Station on the northeast corner of Center and State Street until being recalled to Fishers in October of 1950. He was employed there until retiring on January 1st, 1991.

Following marriage and the birth of four children, he began an active role in the Marshall County Sherriff’s Reserve and as Commander alongside Sherriff Bud Gonzales, a position he held until 1979. Leroy also assisted in recovery of communities during disasters, such as the Charles City tornado amongst others, as part of the Emergency Corps. He was an instructor for gun safety and a benefactor member of the NRA and Experimental Aircraft Association.

Surviving are his two sons: Dennis Vibbard of Marshalltown and Jeff (Robin) Vibbard of State Center; grandchildren- Lisa (Brian) Dougall, Danny Vibbard, Leslie (Jim) Streeter, Liz Boecker (John Courier), Joe Vibbard, Alex (Allissa) Vibbard, Devin Garretson and Harley Garretson; 11 great-grandchildren- Eliana, Elias, Annika, Adley, Icie, Noah, Ellee, Calvin, Madison and Mylie; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

In death, he was reunited with his parents, his wife, daughters Mary Sue Welch and Jennie Westcott, three grandchildren- Willie Weston, Charlie Vibbard and Michelle Vibbard, siblings- Helen Feldman, Ray Vibbard, Jesse Vibbard and half siblings- Mary Bartling, Norman Faught and Ruby.