65348_Leslie Gene_Banken
SHELDON — Leslie Gene Banken died on April 8, 2014, under the gentle care of his children and Hospice in Sheldon.
Gene was born on April 6, 1927, on his parent’s farm near Joice.
In 1950 he married Dorothy Johnson, who was always introduced as his beautiful bride.
His professional life began at the railroad then progressed through banking and real estate. Gene and Dorothy made their home in several Midwest communities including Hawarden, Gowrie and Fort Dodge, and Blue Earth and Burnsville, Minn. Gene was always involved in his community through civic organizations, Chamber of Commerce and committees within the Lutheran churches he and his family belonged to.
After spending many retirement years in Norman, Okla., and Bella Vista, Ark., they moved to Sheldon in March 2009 to be closer to family. Gene and Dorothy raised six children and were blessed with 10 grandchildren. He will always be remembered as a wonderful father who loved his children dearly. His favorite times were being outside with his family and beloved dogs. He loved gardening, skiing, hiking and camping. His retirement years were spent at the end of a dock with his dog Ally, waiting for a bite.
He is survived by his children Rebecca (Jeffrey) Brindle of Potomac, Md.; Mary Banken (Terry Rizzuti) of Estes Park, Colo.; Daniel Banken of Sheldon; Naomi King of Sequim, Wash.; Sara (Blake) Beahler of Sheldon; and Rachel Banken (Craig Levinsohn) of Minneapolis, Minn. Grandad will always be in the hearts of his grandchildren, Emily Carrico, Kari Brindle, Lesley Brindle, Jacob Grasmick, Jack Beahler, Emma Beahler, Grant Beahler, Noah Levinsohn and Lucas Levinsohn.
Reuniting with Gene in heaven are his wife, Dorothy, his grandson, Jonathan and his parents, George and Emma.
A memorial service will be held in the city park in Joice, Iowa, on April 27 at 4 p.m.
Because he was always an avid reader, memorial donations may be made in his name to the Joice Public Library.
Mason City Globe Gazette, 23 April 2014