BOONE, Iowa—Leonard Dean Sternquist, 88, of Boone, Iowa, passed away at the VA Central Iowa Health Care
Community Living Center in Des Moines, Iowa, on Thursday, June 30, 2022. He had been a resident of the Community Living Center since June 7, 2022.

Leonard was born on September 19, 1933, in Boone, Iowa, the son of Leonard T. and Mary A. (Metcalf) Sternquist. On April 19, 1956, he married Patricia Lynette Rinehart at the First United Methodist Church in Boone, Iowa. Leonard graduated from Boone High School. After graduating, he began working at Sternquist Garage with his father, and when he got back from the service he took it over as owner.

Leonard was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Boone and taught Sunday school together with Patricia for many years. He had recently become a member of the Berean Baptist Church in Boone. Leonard served in the United States Army during the Korean War from May 1953 through April 1955. During his time in the Army, he worked as a tank mechanic in Tokyo, Japan, and on the islands of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. In the service, he purchased his first guitar, and this led to many years as an accomplished musician. Playing the guitar with the Blue Notes and later playing the banjo with the Maple Street 7, the West Des Moines Dixie Land Band, and at Shakey’s Pizza Parlor in Ames.

Leonard and Patricia fell in love with ballroom dancing while taking lessons with their daughter Susan and her soon-to-be husband Scott before their wedding in 1981. They went on to teach, compete, and enjoy the international style of ballroom dance for many years.

Leonard was a devoted father. He adored spending time with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was known for his funny stories and the silly jokes he always had for them.

Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard T. and Mary Sternquist, and his daughter Anne Marie Sternquist.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia; daughters: Susan (Scott) Moorman and Laura Sternquist; grandchildren: Justin, Parker, Connor, Brittany, Blake, Alyssa, and Taya; 13 great-grandchildren; and brothers: Don Sternquist and David Sternquist.

Private family graveside services with Military Honors will be held at Linwood Park Cemetery in Boone.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the VA Central Iowa Heath Care Center.

Online condolences can be left at www.schroederfuneral.com

The Schroeder-Stark-Welin Funeral Home, 609 7th Street, Boone, Iowa is assisting the family with these arrangements.

Leonard Sternquist, 88, Boone, Iowa