Leland Tomkins

Leland Tomkins, 86, of Guttenberg died Thursday, July 18, 2013, at Guttenberg Municipal Hospital following a brief illness. Leland Dale Tomkins was born Jan. 28, 1927, to Roy and Augusta (Blaker) Tomkins on the family farm in rural Colesburg. He attended country school and graduated in 1943 at age 16 from Colesburg High School. He worked at Rath Packing Co. in Waterloo until his enlistment in the U.S. Army. He served with a Combat Engineer Battalion in Germany, receiving an honorable discharge in 1946. On Nov. 30, 1948, he was united in marriage to Gloria Smith at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Guttenberg. They were the parents of two children, Shelia and Terry. Leland worked at Farley & Loetscher Mfg. Company in Dubuque and held a second job hauling cream for the White Lily Creamery in Guttenberg. He was later employed by John Deere Plow and Planter Works in Moline, Ill., retiring in 1986. Leland enjoyed music and could play many instruments by ear, including the piano and accordion. He and two of his brothers, Cecil and Harvey, formed the "Tomkins Boys" band. Leland was known for his wit, sense of humor and positive attitude. During his active retirement years, he enjoyed cheering on the Cubs, gardening, and fishing. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family. Leland was a resident of the Guttenberg Care Center since 2008. He was a long-time member of the Guttenberg Community V.F.W. Post and Prairie la Porte American Legion. Survivors include two children, Shelia Tomkins of Guttenberg; Terry (and Debbie) Tomkins of Dubuque; two grandchildren, Nicole and Nathan of Dubuque; a sister, Mrs. Jerome (Carolyn) Carrier of Guttenberg, and many loving nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria, on Aug. 30, 2001; a sister, Mrs. Russell (Dorothy) Palmer in 2000; and three brothers, Harvey in 1990, Paul Richard in 1991, and James Cecil in 2012.Inurnment services will be private.Visitation: 2 - 6 PM Sunday July 21, 2013 at Tuecke-Allyn, Guttenberg Service Information A service summary is not available