Leroy Hogeland

Leroy Burdette Hogeland passed from this world on January 7th, 2023 at the Taylor Hospice House in Des Moines, Iowa with family in attendance. He was born at home on the family farm on January 13, 1932 to Ellen (Nelson) and Lloyd Hogeland. He attended Brown Country School and graduated as salutatorian from Lovilia High School in 1949. He attended Simpson College for one year and then joined the Army, serving two years in Germany in the motor pool.

After the army, he worked road construction, running bulldozers and scrapers, and helping to build Highway 34. Leroy later purchased a D7 bulldozer with his friend Phil Frye, using it to construct his own ponds and terraces on the family farm, which he took over in the late 1950s. In 1960 he met and married Dorothy Lynn Sherman and their three children, Andrea, Alicia, and John, were born over the next eight years. He and Lynn were married for over fifty years until her death in 2014. He then met and married Annabelle Post, but sadly she passed away within the year. In 2016 he met Roma Gray, and they were married on September 17, 2016.

Leroy loved being independent and working outside. He raised corn, beans, hay, and hogs, but cattle were his love. He frequently amazed outsiders with his effortless ability to call and move his herd. Of course, there were days when no power could keep the livestock in, and then . . . we were all witness to Leroy's colorful temper.

Leroy taught himself to weld, repairing his own equipment and sometimes the neighbors'. As all his family and friends know, Leroy's stubborn streak was both deep and wide, which allowed him to find a way over, around, or through any problem. He was honest and kept his word to others. He loved ice cream and dancing. Leroy never really retired - farmers never do. He continued to clear old fences with his bulldozer, build new fences, and consult with his son on how to best run the farm.

Leroy is survived by his wife, Roma; his three children: Andrea (Jeff Dietrich), Alicia (Bruce Sutton), and John (Beth Hoffman); his grandchildren: Jacob, Antonio, Bree, and Lucas; and many Sherman nieces, nephews, and their children and grandchildren who loved visiting Leroy and having adventures on the farm. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Ellen Hogeland; spouses, Dorothy Lynn Hogeland, and Annabelle Post, and sister, Marie Hogeland Lapsey.

Visitation will be January 13, 2023, at the Sinnott Funeral Home in Albia from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm with family in attendance from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

The funeral will be held Saturday, January 14, 2023, at the Union Liberty Church, Bussey at 11 am, with Marty Williams officiating. Military rites will follow services at the church. A light meal will follow. Memorials may be directed to the Union Liberty Church in Bussey. Online condolences may be left for the family at sinnottfuneralhome.com or the Sinnott Funeral Home Facebook page.

Leroy will be interred at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Lovilia at a later date.