Edward W. Leighton — Kasson

Edward W. Leighton, 99, of Kasson, died Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014, at Saint Marys Hospital in Rochester.

Edward was born May 6, 1915, in Blooming Prairie, the son of Wilbur and Minnie (Meagle) Leighton. At a young age, he moved with his family to Kasson and there he was raised and attended school. He was united in marriage to Anna Blood on Sept. 20, 1937, in Northwood, Iowa. The couple farmed in Dodge County. Edward and Anna also owned and operated Ed and Ann's Cafe in West Concord. He worked a variety of other jobs as well, including for Dodge County as a heavy equipment operator, Ronning Electric, West Concord School district both as a custodian and part-time school bus driver. He was also a part-time police officer in the city of West Concord, and volunteer maintenance man for the West Concord Fire Department.

He was a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church of West Concord and the Eagles Club. Ed and Ann enjoyed 65 wonderful years together. Ann died in December 2002.

Edward enjoyed going to dances with Anna. He also enjoyed repairing bicycles, drinking coffee with his coffee buddies and visits with friends. He was a great historian of Dodge County. He served as president of the Senior Citizens Club in West Concord. Mostly though, Edward will be remembered as a wonderful, caring man that was deeply loved by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by a son, Glen (and Donna) Leighton of Eyota; a daughter, Betty (and Phil) Schuster of Kasson; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and a daughter-in-law, Marian Leighton of Cedar Falls, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ann Leighton; his parents; a son, Jack Leighton; two grandchildren; a brother, Al; and a sister in infancy.

Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home, West Concord on Friday, Oct. 24, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and one hour prior to the service in the church.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Oct. 25, at 11 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in West Concord, with the Rev. Chris Brekke officiating. Interment will be in the Concord Cemetery in Concord Township.

Memorials are preferred to Trinity Lutheran Church, West Concord Historical Society, West Concord Fire Department or donor's choice.