Leonard Dale Krotz, 80, of Solon, died on December 15, 2009 at University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City of a sudden illness. Funeral mass will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 18, 2009 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Solon. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Brosh Chapel in Solon, where there will be a 6:30 p.m. vigil. Brosh Chapel in Solon is in charge of arrangements.

Leonard was born on February 6, 1929 in Riverside , the son of William Krotz and Geneva (Klein) Krotz. He was raised on the family farm in rural Riverside . On July 24, 1957, he married Mary Grace Smith in Forest Grove , Oregon . He and Mary operated L & M Sinclair Service Station in Iowa City for many years. They sold the business and began working at Iowa City Volkswagen for Gene Greb. Leonard retired early to open his own mechanic shop at his home in rural Solon, which he operated until his vision began to fail and he was forced to close his business.

Leonard enjoyed camping, fishing, boating and all types of outdoor activities. He and Mary especially enjoyed spending winters in Texas where they met many wonderful friends from all over the country. Leonard was very close to his seven children and eighteen grandchildren. He loved seeing his great-grandchildren and was looking forward to the birth of his first great-great-grandchild this coming April.

Leonard is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mary; daughters, Pamela (Richard) Rogers, Brenda (Gene) Greazel, Danette (Steve) Foster, JoAnn (the late Donald) Marshall, all of Solon, and Ellen (Michael) Davis of Donnellson; sons, Brett Krotz of Solon and Richard Krotz of North Liberty; sister, Evelyn Boyse, and brothers, Walter, Wilbur and Hubert Krotz.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Viola Forbes, Alma Kucera; brothers Lloyd and Leo Krotz, and an infant grandson.

Memorials may be directed to the family.