Harry H. Lepke, 89, of Grand Junction, Iowa
Died October 25, 2003
Services: 2:00pm Tuesday October 28, 2003 at Central Christian Church, Jefferson
Interment: Jefferson Cemetery, Jefferson, Iowa
Visitation with the family: Monday Oct 27, 2003 from 7:00 - 9:00pm
at Slininger-Rossow Funeral Home, Jefferson, Iowa

Harry Henry Lepke, born March 15, 1914, in Wenona, Ill., was the third child of Henry and Emma Lepke. Raised on a farm, he attended country school near Scranton and began farming full-time after completing the eighth grade. The Lepkes moved to a farm northeast of Grand Junction in the late 1930s. Harry was united in marriage to Ruth Williams of Scranton on Dec. 26, 1940.

In the late 1930s and early 1940s, Harry also drove truck and enjoyed flying his airplane. With a lifelong interest of aviation, he owned and flew a Taylorcraft prior to WWII and later piloted an ultralight.

Harry was often found in his shop or machine shed inventing and engineering useful equipment and tools for farming or work around the homestead. Family members said that he was "Mr. Goodwrench" long before GM mechanics adopted the title.

Together with Ruth, he raised three children and farmed. A great steward of the land, Harry still enjoyed fieldwork on his red tractor as an 88-year old. The Lepke property is well known for its beautifully manicured lawn and flower gardens, as well as the acreage’s large windbreak. This care was rewarded in 1990 with the state runner-up windbreak award from the Izaak Walton League of America’s Iowa Division.

Harry was a great neighbor and friend to many, often the first to help others and always generous with his time and resources. For several years, he and Ruth delivered meals on wheels to friends in the area. A trustworthy and kind gentleman, he was a confidant and a pillar of strength to his family and others.

The couple hosted numerous international students from Iowa State University over the years and taught them about Iowa farm life. They also adopted and cared for countless animals, both in the wild and house pets.

As a longtime supporter of Central Christian Church, Jefferson, Harry enjoyed sermons from his favorite pew in the back row of the sanctuary, often entertaining his grandchildren with a smile or playful poke to the ribs.

Harry died Oct. 25 of leukemia. He was a devout Christian, a family man, and instilled values of hard work, determination, and honesty in generations of Lepkes.

He is survived by his wife and faithful companion of 63 years, Ruth, three children: Lana (Larry) Miller, Dana; Kip (Gloria) Lepke, Perry; and Larry (Phyllis) Lepke, Story City; five grandchildren: Malinda (Darrell) Geisler, Bondurant; Derek (Suzanne) Lepke, Dalhart, Texas; Mike (Tracie) Miller, Dana; Emily (LaMont) York, Perry; and Matthew Lepke, Iowa City; and five great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the church and the Grand Junction Fire and Rescue unit.

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