James B. Leitzen Sr.

James B. Leitzen, Sr., age 92, of Savanna, Illinois, died on Saturday, September 29, 2018 at Mercy Medical Center North, Clinton, Iowa. Cremation Rites have been accorded. A memorial gathering will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., Thursday, October 4, 2018 at Law-Jones Funeral Home, Savanna. Private family burial will take place at a later date in Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, Stockton. A memorial fund has been established in James’ memory.

James was born on April 9, 1926, the son of Oscar and Lulu (Hall) Leitzen in Freeport, Illinois. James was raised in Stockton and attended Holy Cross Catholic School. James married Ellen Stilson on January 6, 1955. Ellen died on April 29, 2014.

James was primarily and auto-mechanic, working for car dealerships in Lanark, Mt. Carroll, and Hanover. He also maintained machinery for Neumiller Farms in Savanna for several years. James was a longtime member of the Loyal Order of Moose, belonging to both the Savanna and Clinton, Iowa Moose Lodges. In his younger years, James enjoyed playing pool, roller-skating, and dancing. He also enjoyed the outdoors, especially gardening and fishing. Most of all, James cherished spending time with his friends and family.

James will be dearly missed by six children, James (Joan) Leitzen, Jr. of Stockton, Mike (Jackie) Leitzen of Delmar, Iowa, Calvin (Christine) Leitzen of Camanche, Iowa, David (Deborah) Leitzen of Savanna, Diane Oostenryk of Clinton, Iowa, and Cindy (Dave Smith) Rekenthaler of Clinton; twenty-three grandchildren; fifty-one great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and special friend, Catherine VanBrocklin

James was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ellen; two sons, Richard and Dennis Leitzen; two grandsons, Nathan Rekenthaler and Ryan Holm; one brother, William Leitzen; and two sisters, Eloise Coates and Eileen Graber.