Richard F. Leinen “Digger”

Richard F. Leinen (Rich) (Digger) son of Joe and Caroline (Stinn) Leinen was born February 18, 1934 in Portsmouth IA. He was baptized and confirmed in Our Lady of Fatima church in Portsmouth. He graduated from Portsmouth school in 1952.
Rich was united in marriage to Alma Kramer on May 4, 1954. Five daughters were born to this union: Donna, Deb, Bonnie, Vicki, Cindy.
May 23, 1956 Rich was drafted into the US Army and stationed in Germany for one year. He was honorably discharged May 21, 1958.
Rich worked for the Shelby County Road Dept as a grader operator and foreman for 55 years. He served on Portsmouth Town Council for 17 years; then as Mayor for another 17 years, Fire Dept 30 yrs, Knights of Columbus over 50 yrs, and Parish Council. His hobbies include gardening, (mostly flowers, strawberries & watermelons), woodworking (barns, corn cribs, bridges, doll houses, wishing wells) and traveling (bus trips all over the US, Ireland, Italy, Alaska, Germany, Switzerland, France, Holy Lands, and more) and Yankee stadium 5 times.
Rich is survived by his wife of 69 yrs Alma, daughters and sons-in-law Donna & Dave Muell (Walnut), Deb & Dan Muell (Portsmouth), Bonnie & Ray Cooper (Council Bluffs), Vicki & Joe Miller (Portsmouth), Cindy & Jeff Klein (Earling), 17 Grand Children, 32 Great Grand Children, His sister Sis “Virginia”  Reinig, brother Joe Jr & Jeanette Leinen, many nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, grandson Peter Joseph (P.J.) Muell, great grandson Alexander Muell, brothers Don & Bernie, brother-in law Bob Reinig and sister-in-law Helen Leinen.
A 10:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial was officiated by Father Michael Antoh on Saturday, May 27, 2023 at St. Mary Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Portsmouth, Iowa. Mike Muell, Rick Muell, Jeremy Muell, Shawn Miller, Travis Klein, James Muell, Joshua Cooper, and Kyler Miller served as pallbearers. Dave Muell, Dan Muell, Ray Cooper, Joe Miller, and Jeff Klein served as honorary pallbearers. A burial was held following the service at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Portsmouth, Iowa. Military Rites were provided by Portsmouth American Legion Post No. 547.
Pauley Jones Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.