Leonard Bodenschatz

Leonard H. Bodenschatz, 84, of Jackson passed away Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2013, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Sept. 26, 1928, in New Wells to Oscar and Paula Schuessler Bodenschatz. He was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church of New Wells.

Leonard served in the United States Army and was stationed in Korea during the Korean conflict, receiving an honorable discharge in September 1956.

He and M. Jane Grebe were married June 18, 1966, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Pocahontas.

Leonard was employed in the seed industry several years before becoming owner and manager of Leonard's Seed Center in Jackson, which he operated until he sold the business and retired in 1996. In 1986, he was named Merchant of the Year by the Jackson Merchants Association.

He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson since 1966, and served as a member of the Board of Elders, Sunday-school superintendent, a member of St. Paul School Board and an usher. He was a current member of the St. Paul Men's Club where he previously served as president, secretary and treasurer. He served 20 years as chairman of the annual Men's Club fish/sausage dinner, and served as chairman of the food committee for the annual Men's Bible Retreat at Wappapello for a number of years. Several years ago he was named Steward of the Month at St. Paul Church.

He was an active member of the Optimist Club of Jackson for more than 50 years and had a perfect attendance record of 41 years. He became a life member of Optimist International in January 2012. In 1992-1993 he was named Optimist of the Year. He was a member of Altenthal-Joerns American Legion Post 158 of Jackson and a member of the VFW.

Leonard was a past member of Missouri Extension Council and was on the board of directors of the Girl Scout Council from 1983 to 1989. He also was active with the Boy Scout program many years and was a former member of Kimbeland Country Club and Missouri Farm Bureau.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, David (Renee) Bodenschatz of Bettendorf, Iowa; a daughter, Donna (Heath) Doty of Webster Groves, Mo.; a brother, Rudy (Wilma) Bodenschatz of Altenburg, Mo.; two sisters, Erna Kleine of Mehlville, Mo., and Clara Weber of Arnold, Mo.; five grandchildren, Nicole and Blake Bodenschatz of Bettendorf, Jonah, Conlan and Landon Doty of Webster Groves; plus a number of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Cracraft-Miller Funeral Home in Jackson, and from 8:30 a.m. until service time Saturday at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson.

The funeral will be at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the church, with the Rev. Robert Henrichs officiating. Burial will be in Russell Heights Cemetery with full military honors to be conducted.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Saxony Lutheran High School or the Missouri Veterans Home.

Online condolences at www.cracraftmiller.com.