Leonard Joseph Walterscheid

October 20, 1929 - December 2, 2014

Leonard J. Walterscheid, age 85, passed away peacefully at his home in Grand Junction, Colorado on December 2, 2014, after a lengthy illness.

Leonard was born on October 20, 1929, in Muenster, Texas to Anna and August Walterscheid. He is survived by his loving wifeof 64 years, Betty (Davison) Walterscheid; one sister, Sister Francesca Walterscheid of Ft. Worth, Texas, and five children, Tommy (Treva) Walterscheid, Cynthia (Denny) Granum, Leonard (Korine) Walterscheid, all of Grand Junction, Colorado; Michael Walterscheid of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Dianna (Jim) Bicknell of Mesa, Arizona. He loved spoiling his 11 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, who brought him great love and joy.

Leonard enlisted in the US Army in 1949. He was a two-time veteran of the Korean War with the 780th field artillery unit. He was awarded the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal earning two bronze stars, and a Good Conduct Medal.

In 1959, Leonard moved his family to Utah to work in the uranium and oil field industry. Moab, Utah was their home for over 34 years. After retirement in 1996, Leonard and Betty moved to Grand Junction, Colorado. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Grand Junction, the Elks Lodge, and the Petroleum and Mining Club.

He enjoyed laughing and telling stories with his weekly coffee buddies. Leonard will be remembered for his quick wit, sense of humor, and love of football. His family describes him as an extremely strong man both in stature and character.

Leonard is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Elizabeth Koesler and brother, Wilfred Walterscheid both of Muenster, Texas.

Services, with military honors, will take place on Saturday, December 6, at 11:00 a.m. at the Frist Baptist Church, 720 Grand Ave., Grand Junction, Colorado 81501.

In lieu of flowers, contributions, in his memory, can be made to the First Baptist Church.

Published in The Daily Sentinel on Dec. 4, 2014