Leo Tjelmeland, age 89, of Nevada, died at his home on Thursday, April 24, 2014.
Visitation was held 1-3 p.m. Sunday at Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada. There was a Prayer Service at 3 p.m. with Pastor Dennis Sandmann officiating. Graveside services were 10 a.m. Monday, April 28, 2014, at Roland Cemetery in Roland, with military honors by American Legion Post #307 of Roland.
Leo Juel Tjelmeland was born March 24, 1925, in Radcliffe, Iowa, to Ward and Gladys (Osmundson) Tjelmeland. He graduated from Milford Township High School in 1942. He served in the United States Army from 1944-46.
On December 9, 1947, Leo married Sally M. Banks at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. Leo was a life-long member of Salem Lutheran Church in Roland.
Leo farmed north of Nevada all of his life, retiring in 1996. He also worked for 25 years at the National Animal Disease Lab in Ames. He was a member of the Roland American Legion, Post #307, and enjoyed watching sports as a pastime.
Leo is survived by his children, Sherry (Larry) Ragee of Mesa, AZ, Jim (Brenda Mertens) Tjelmeland of Vinton, Paul Tjelmeland (Lisa White) of Auburn, AL, and Dean (Jolene) Tjelmeland of rural Nevada; eight grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; two sisters, Lola Anderson of Nevada, and Delores Campbell of Gilbert, AZ; two brothers, Joel Tjelmeland of Springfield, IL, and Gordon Tjelmeland of Clive; as well as several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife Sally on January 18, 2000; his parents; and five brothers, Harold, Wally, Wayne, Gary, and Keith Tjelmeland.
Memorials in Leo's name may be directed to Salem Lutheran Church of Roland.
Ryan Funeral Home of Nevada was entrusted with the care of Leo and his family.