William “B.J.” Joseph Leonard
William “B.J.” Joseph Leonard
Solon
William “B.J.” Joseph Leonard left this life and joined our heavenly Father and his family on March 28, 2024, after a long health battle. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Solon. Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at St. Mary’s. Burial will be at St. Bridget’s Cemetery, Nolan Settlement. After the services a luncheon to follow at the Solon American Legion. Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre in Solon are overseeing arrangements.
B.J. was born in Iowa City on March 12, 1947, to William “Bill” Paul and Lavona (Cerny) Leonard. B.J. graduated from West Branch High School in 1966. After high school he entered the Army Reserve. When he returned home, he farmed with his dad, brother-in-law Tony Serbousek and nephew Jerry Serbousek on the family farm east of Solon and worked at Pearson in Cedar Rapids prior to his retirement. B.J. married Paula Fiala in 1990, they later divorced but remained lifelong friends.
B.J. enjoyed his time with friends and family most of all. He will be remembered for his sense of humor and hosting some of the most memorable 4th of July fish fry’s and card parties at his cabin on the Cedar River. When he wasn’t at home you could be sure to find him at Sutliff playing cards with his buddies. He truly loved living on the Ceder River, and enjoyed fishing, hunting, and viewing all the wildlife.
B.J. was a proud member of the Solon American Legion for over 50 years. He was also involved in the early years of Solon Beef Days.
B.J. is survived by his nieces and nephews, Cindy (Serbousek) Clark (Ed), Jerry Serbousek (Tami), Jolene Serbousek, Mark Jensen (Michelle), Brenda (Jensen) Bender (Mike), Jeff Rogers (Barb), and Doug Rogers (Lisa). He was preceded in death by his father, mother and sisters, Rita Serbousek, Eileen Rogers, Mary Jensen and Nephew Kevin Rogers.
Our family would like to give a special thank you to the Solon Nursing Care Center and staff and St. Croix hospice for their compassionate care of our uncle.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.broshchapel.com