John Leiendecker

John Leiendecker, Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, and Friend, Passes Away at 79.

It is with immense sadness that we share news of the passing of our cherished John, who left us surrounded by family on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at the age of 79. John was an exceptional man with an extraordinary capacity for love. He had countless gifts, all shaped by the unique way he saw the world. He found beauty in everyday moments, from a boat sailing in the distance to the first dew drops of morning in the garden, or even a discarded branch he could model into a work of art. John felt an unwavering need to capture and create it all.

John was born to Jack and Phyllis Leiendecker in Fort Wayne, IN, on July 5, 1945. At a very young age, John was introduced to his first true love: sailboats. At 19, he moved to Iowa to pursue a career in film and television and started with Iowa Public Television in 1969 and served as a videographer before retiring in 2001 as Production Manager.

Many live their retirement in idle resignation, but not John. These years were the second act of his incomparable life. Through his self-employed work at Leiendecker Recordings, John found many uses for his gifts, including voiceover work for TV and radio, camera operation, photography, and postproduction. He also chased new dreams, such as scuba diving, exploring complex woodworking techniques, and staying current with the evolution of new technology.

John's hobbies bordered obsession, fueled by endless curiosity, innovation, and a desire to express his devotion. He loved a challenge and was never without a project for one of his children or grandchildren. He could turn a thread of inspiration into a stunning final product – each a labor of love.

John was a dedicated volunteer at Faith Lutheran Church as a reader and audio technician. He was a member of the Saylorville Yacht Club and served as a Board member on the Mainstream Living, Inc. board. Beyond formal commitments, He gave his time, talent, and spirit to his friends, family, and community—often quietly and in ways we may never fully know.

John met his soulmate, Linda, while working at IPTV. They were married in 1988 and officially became a blended family. They spent years exploring together and found a home away from home in the Florida panhandle, where they spent many winters on the beach with their beloved dogs. They were truly each other's second half, and one was never far from the other for long. They shared a deep bond that lives on in Linda's heart and in the memories of all who had the privilege to bear witness to it.

John is survived by his wife Linda, children John Paul Leiendecker III of Ankeny, IA, Jessica Jacobsen (Tyler) of Corvallis, OR, Lisa Quilty (Jim) of Des Moines, IA, and Becky Heikes (Eric) of Johnston, IA, grand-children: Katlyn Lemon (Derek), Allie Kruger, John Paul Leiendecker IV (Victoria), Bella Heikes, Dessa Heikes, Kaden Leiendecker, Tiger Heikes, Jasmine Leiendecker, Hunter Jacobsen, Caledon Jacobsen, Blake Heikes (Nicole), Sophia Quilty, Sullivan Quilty, great grandchildren Wesley Lemon, Everett Heikes, sister Cherie Walda (Ted) and brother Mark Leiendecker (Debbie) – who will all miss his humor, endless knowledge, and steadfast love. He is also survived by his two cherished dogs, Dan and Kasmir, who gave him boundless joy, sloppy kisses, and unconditional love.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Phyllis Leiendecker and his son Gregory Wing.

To celebrate John's life, we'll gather at Faith Lutheran Church on Monday, November 18 at 9:30am, to worship and share stories and memories the way he would have wanted. If you are unable to attend in person, we invite you to watch the service online: click here.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Faith Lutheran Church's Music Program.

We will carry John's love and spirit with us, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who loved him.

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