Leonard Atkinson

Leonard E. "Squeaky" Atkinson, age 86, of Lancaster, passed away on Tuesday, January 20, 2015, at Orchard Manor Nursing Home in rural Lancaster. He was born on M arch 21, 1928, on a farm near Platteville, the son of Delbert and Vera (Speth) Atkinson. During the summer of 1941, they bought a farm near Lancaster. Leonard grew up there and graduated from Lancaster High School with the class of 1946. Leonard was employed with the Dubuque Packing Company and worked there until he retired in 1980. He liked to spend many years with his motor boat on the river and riding his motorcycle as well as snowmobiling. In later years after he no longer used them, he had a scooter he enjoyed riding around Lancaster. Squeaky worked as a special Deputy for Grant County Sheriff's Department and was known by many as he helped at dances around the county several years ago. After retiring, he had several part time jobs that he enjoyed, including large load escort service and helping at Pioneer Motors in Lancaster. Leonard was also a member Free & Accepted Masonic Warren Lodge No. 4 in Potosi and the Lancaster United Methodist Church.

Survivors include his brother, Merlyn (Beverly) Atkinson; three nephews: Kevin (Julie), Rick (Donna), Bret (Dorry) Atkinson; four nieces: Angie (Don) Heim; Darcie (Gary) Breiner; Marnie (Karl) Kane; Erin (Dan) Hayes; special friend, Evelyn Shulka.

In addition to his parents, Leonard was preceded in death by two brothers: Clinton (Iretta "Puddles") and Delbert Atkinson, Jr.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, January 24, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. at Schwartz Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Lancaster with Pastor Mark Hoehne officiating. Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery, Platteville. Family and friends called on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home, where a 10:45 a.m. Masonic Service was held.