Leon Edward Koeppel
June 24, 1939 — May 03, 2024
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Service Details
Leon Koeppel, age 84, passed away on May 3, 2024, after a courageous battle with lung and bone cancer. Born on June 24, 1939, he brought immense joy to those around him.
Leon's journey touched the lives of many, leaving behind cherished memories and a legacy of strength and resilience. His unwavering spirit in the face of adversity was an inspiration to all who knew him.
Leon graduated from North High School in 1958. In 1960, he met Margaret Mullen who he would marry on May 6, 1962, and spent a beautiful 56 years together until her passing in 2018.
Leon was a veteran, a firefighter and a union man. Leon worked for Colonial Bakery and then Armstrong Tire & Rubber until retirement. He loved to keep busy and volunteer where possible by helping start the Waukee girls’ youth softball league, volunteered for the Waukee Fire Department, and was a member of the Lion’s club. He was an avid vehicle enthusiast, usually trading in vehicles every year or two.
Leon is survived by his children Jodi (Kim) Downing of Pella, Iowa and Leon (Sara) Koeppel of Sioux City, Iowa; his grandchildren, Cameron (Jill) Downing, Carson (Brie) Downing, Ashton Patten and Gabriel Patten; his great-grandchildren, Ava and Oliver; many nieces, nephews, his “daughter” Tynnetta Rasheed and close friend Pam McMahon. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Margaret; his parents, John and Ethel Koeppel; and his sister, Donna Samson.
Please join us in remembering and celebrating Leon's life. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., with the funeral service beginning at 10:00 a.m., on Friday, May 10, 2024, at Hamilton's near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave., Des Moines, with a burial to follow at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery in Des Moines.
Flowers and condolences may be sent to Hamilton's near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave., Des Moines, IA 50313.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
May Leon rest in eternal peace, free from pain, and may his memory continue to bring comfort to those who mourn his passing.
Hoffman Family
05/10/2024
Jodi and Butch
Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the passing of your Dad. Your family colored a considerable amount of Waukee Ave history. You all are in our prayers. Many Blessings and a hug to Pam.
Pat Carpenter
05/08/2024
Jodi and Butch
sorry to read about your Dad--I kinda lost him when your mom died--and didnt know he was facing cancer- He was a wonderful person and now your mom and Dad will be together-Prays to the family and sure thinking of you-miss hearing about you guys they both were very proud of you kids and your family
Donna Willcox
05/08/2024
Dear Jodi & “Butch”(that’s what your Dad always called you),
Brent and I got to know your dad through the Grimes Gang and Pam, our life long friend. She could not have found a nicer friend, who we loved getting to know.
He was a gentleman. He had a good sense of humor and always a smile on his face. He loved his family and he loved to talk about them….all of them.
He enjoyed his cars. He was a faithful friend. He and Brent walked through their battles with cancer for well over a year together. Your dad called to see how Brent was doing almost daily. They were on the Cancer Floor at Mercy last summer at the same time and were able to visit each other there. They talked of going fishing together for over a year, but were never well enough to go. Brent died just days ahead of your dad. I do hope there’s a fishing lake in heaven where they can fulfill their dream to go fishing together, and I hope the fish are biting really good on that glorious day when they meet Jesus and each other again. Jesus was a fisherman too. My sincere sympathies to
both of you on the loss of your wonderful Dad.
Donna Willcox
Marvin Whitlock
05/07/2024
So sorry to hear of Leon's passing. Prayers to all family and friends!
Pam McMahon
05/07/2024
What a beautiful tribute to a great man. Leon and I met in grievance class as we were mourning the loss of our beloved spouses. We enjoyed one another,s company and had a great time visiting places, the horse races, dining out, being with family, and shopping Once I took him to the VM final shoe sale and told him what sizes to look for. In checking his progress he said it wasn’t worth losing his life over shoes. I love you Leon, now and forever. Pam