AMES, Iowa—Roger D. Leininger, 84, of Ames, passed away Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at his home.
Roger was born March 12, 1940, in Story City, the son of Cleo and Pauline (Keller) Leininger. He attended United Community School through the fourth grade and then Gilbert Community School, where he graduated in 1958. Roger was a member of the Iowa Army National Guard in Boone for six years.
Roger was united in marriage to Patricia Forsythe on September 1, 1962, in Cherokee, Iowa. They made their home on the family farm near Ames, and currently still reside there. They enjoyed many short trips together. Roger and Pat always looked forward each year to their trip to Okoboji, where they met.
Roger farmed and raised livestock until the early 1980’s. He went on to work at the Iowa State University AG450 Farm for an additional 30 years. He kept active during retirement, working part-time for Design Homes and the AG450 farm. He enjoyed woodworking and made several pieces of furniture and children’s toys. Roger often spent time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Roger was an active, lifetime member of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church.
Roger is survived by his wife of 63 years, Patricia Leininger of Ames; three children, Susan (Richard) Stein of Coppell, TX, Catherine (Doran) Stakey of Kamrar, and Thomas Leininger of Clarksdale, MO; five granddaughters, Jessica (Samantha) Kruckenberg, Courtney (Andrew) Steinkamp, Sarah Leininger, Samantha Leininger and Hailey Stein; five great-grandchildren, Annie, Jules, Lucy, Jack and LeRoy; brother, David (Jenny) Leininger of Dallas, TX; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Cleo and Pauline and daughter-in-law, Kimberly Leininger.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 14238 500th Avenue, Ames, with Rev. Kyle Digmann officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at Schroeder-Reimers Memorial Chapel, 1006 6th Street, Boone and continue one hour before the mass at the church. There will be a Rosary at 7:00 PM Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family to be given to organizations that were close to Roger.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Schroeder-Reimers Memorial Chapel at Sixth and Marshall Streets in Boone. Online condolences may be left to Roger’s family at www.schroedermemorialchapel.com
Roger Leininger, 84, Ames, Iowa
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