Leonard Dwayne Duckworth

Leonard was born July 22, 1924, in Crookston, Minnesota, the eldest son of Leonard Sr. and Harriet (Foss) Duckworth. The family lived in Crookston, Minnesota, Grand Forks, and Devil's Lake, North Dakota, where Leonard graduated from Devils Lake High School in 1941. After graduation, he began employment with the Great Northern Railroad, prior to being drafted into the Army Air Force during WWII. He served overseas in the Pacific Theater. After his honorable discharge, Leonard returned to Crookston to continue his employment with Great Northern. On June 14, 1947, Leonard was united in marriage to Arlene Zutz in Crookston, where they made their home and raised their family. In 1984, Leonard retired after 42 years of service with Great Northern and Burlington Northern. In retirement, Arlene and Leonard divided their time between Minnesota and Arizona, until moving to Mesa permanently. Leonard enjoyed bowling, doing crossword puzzles, playing poker, bridge and cribbage, as well as fishing for walleye during the summer on Lake of the Woods.

He is survived by his wife, Arlene of Mesa; daughter Barbara (Eugene) Smith of Bemidji, Minnesota; sons Gary (fiancé, Marie Lewis) Duckworth of Aloha, Oregon, Alan (Joyce) Duckworth of Dexter, Oregon, and Dwayne Duckworth of Warroad, Minnesota; brother, Robert (Doreen) Duckworth of Mesa, Arizona; twelve grandchildren; twenty-three great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren and other family members.

Leonard is preceded in death by his parents; son, Randall Duckworth; brother and sister-in-law; Donald and Jeanne Duckworth; infant sister Lenore; and great-grandson; Max Mashburn.

A memorial service will be held in Leonard's honor on Saturday, January 21, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Mountain View Estates Club House 8600 East Broadway Road Mesa, Arizona 85208. Arrangements are entrusted to Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park and Funeral Care 400 South Power Road Mesa, Arizona 85206 (480)830-4422. Please share memories of Leonard Dwayne Duckworth by visiting the family's website at www.MariposaGardens.com.