Gerald Leaders

Gerald Alouis Leaders, at the age of 79, passed away August 3, 2006, at his home in Dunlap, Iowa following a three month illness with pancreatic cancer. Gerald was born July 18, 1927, to Calvin and Mabel (Pflug) Leaders of Minden, Iowa. Gerald was raised on a farm near Minden, and attended school in Bentley. On June 8, 1947, Gerald married Ardythe Mae Olsen of Treynor, Iowa. Gerald farmed near his childhood home until moving to Council Bluffs in 1960 where he was co-owner of an International Harvester Store. In 1963, Gerald and his brother Calvin moved their families to Dunlap where they opened Leaders Equipment. In 1982, Gerald and his son Glen started Leaders Tractor and Combine Salvage where he worked until the time of his retirement in 2004.

Gerald served in the US Army, is a Veteran of World War II and has been a member of the American Legion Post 224 for over 50 years. Gerald was a member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and was ordained into the priesthood in 1967. Gerald served as the pastor of the RLDS church in Dunlap for many years. Since 1985, Gerald worshipped at the Followers of Christ, a Restoration Branch in Woodbine, Iowa.

Gerald attended Dana College for a time, was also a member of the Kiwanis Club, Webelos Council of the Boy Scouts of America, served for several years on the Dunlap City Council and he and his wife were both Charter Members of the Antique Doorknob Collectors of America.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Vernon and Lloyd; and sister, Ilene Applegate. Gerald is survived by his wife of 57 years, Ardythe, his children, Linda Frazier and husband Randy of Dunlap; Jane Roden and husband Royl of Pisgah; Glen Leaders and wife Jackie of Woodbine; and Gene Leaders of Dunlap. Also surviving Gerald are four brothers and two sisters, Calvin and wife Dorothy of Dunlap, Wayne and wife Wanda of Council Bluffs, Ken of Minden, Lowell and wife Phyllis of Minden, Gladys White of Oakland, Lou Ellen (Tootie) Graalfs and husband Gene of Council Bluffs and a sister-in-law Edna Leaders of Woodbine, 15 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends.