LEON B. “RUSTY” SKOGLUND
GOWRIE — Leon B. “Rusty” Skoglund 98, passed away Tuesday, September 28, 2021 at the Gardens Retirement & Assisted Living Community in Jefferson. Funeral Services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, Oct. 4, 2021 at Zion Lutheran Church, Gowrie, with Pastor Jim Davis and Pastor Denise Berns officiating. Burial will be at Gowrie Township Cemetery. Visitation will be 1:00 p.m. Monday, Oct. 4, at the Church until service time. Wearing masks are appreciated by the family. Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family. Palmer Funeral Home, Gowrie is in charge of arrangements.
Rusty is survived by his children, Anita (Scott) Brayton of Easton, MD, Kenneth (Marilyn) Skoglund of Farnhamville, and Laurie (Nik) Telleen of Gowrie; 4 grandchildren, John (Abby) Skoglund, Christine (Michael) Lavender, Amanda (Andrew) Krieger, and Ashley (Joe) Brown; 8 great-grandchildren, Aidan, Reagan, Ella, Taylor, Carter, Lydia, Kenley, and Isla; and sister Joyce Goforth of Callender. He was preceded in death by his wife Marlys; parents, Bert and Bernice (Rydman) Skoglund; and infant brother Richard.
Leon Bernard Skoglund was born June 21, 1923 at Dayton, Iowa. He graduated from Dayton High School. On April 20, 1947 he was united in marriage to Marlys Hedman. The couple established their home on a farm in Gowrie and farmed until 1972. Rusty and Marlys owned and operated the Canteen Cafe from 1971 until 1979. Rusty then worked as a Food Inspector for the State of Iowa for 10 years, spending three of those years in Hospers, Iowa. In 1982, Rusty and Marlys moved back to Gowrie and he continued to work for the State of Iowa until his retirement in 1989. From 1988 until 1997, Rusty and his grandson John worked as the caretaker for the Gowrie Township Cemetery. In 1999, he was a courier for West Central Coop. Marlys passed away in 2002. Rusty was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church, Stephen’s Ministry, Elderbridge Community, Kiwanis Club, and Svenska Klubben Club. He also was a volunteer for the care center and meals on wheels.
The Skoglund Family appreciates very much the exceptional care Rusty received from The Gardens and from Unity Point Hospice.