Printy Funeral Home obituary - Leo Launer, 93, Warsaw

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Leo Launer, 93, of Warsaw, Illinois, passed away on Tuesday, August 24, 2021, at Blessing Hospital in Keokuk, Iowa.

Leo was born on April 12, 1928, near Basco, Illinois, the son of Harry and Hattie Lucinda (Gavillet) Launer. On January 2, 1948, he was united in marriage to Norma Jean Hasten in Basco, Illinois. She preceded him in death on June 19, 2013.

Leo was a Union Carpenter (Local #410) and an accomplished millwright and welder. He worked on large projects throughout the area and beyond, and was employed at nuclear power plants as well. In his free time, Leo enjoyed woodworking and wood-burning, using his talents to create furniture, cabinets and more. He was a talented craftsman who used his skills to help his children and grandchildren. Leo was also an avid reader and farmed part-time. He did whatever it took to provide for his family.

Leo is survived by four children: Sharon Gonterman of Wever, Iowa, Cindy (Joe Wayne) Heathcott of Newbern, Tennessee, Russell (Hilda) Launer of Warsaw, Illinois, and Sheila Hauk of Warsaw, Illinois; eleven grandchildren: Angela (Kevin) McGuire, Audrey (Ricky) Gearin, Amber Jo (Andrew) McCutchen, Joseph (Ashley) Heathcott, Daniel (Billie) Launer, Roy (Faye) Launer, Shawn Hauk, Derek (Dana) Hauk, Danny Ray Launer, Dustin (Brooke) Launer and Leo Brandon (Cynthia) Launer; 34 great-grandchildren with one on the way; one great-great grandchild with one on the way; two sisters: Marilyn Cameron of Basco, Illinois, and Mardelle Reed of Carthage, Illinois; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Leo is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Norma Jean and nine siblings: Wilma Shay, Leota Antoine, Mabel Heagy, Jean Berg, Rodney Launer, Wilbur Launer, Russell Launer, Homer Launer, Leo Andrew Launer, and Donnie Launer.

Leo’s life will be celebrated with a visitation on Saturday, August 28, 2021, from 2 to 6 pm, with family meeting friends from 4 to 6 pm at Printy Funeral Home in Warsaw, Illinois. A private family burial will take place at a later date in Cook Cemetery in rural Hancock County.

Memorials may be directed to PAWS in Fort Madison or the Warsaw Fire Department.

Tributes and condolences may be left at www.printyfuneralhome.com.

Printy Funeral Home of Warsaw is in charge of arrangements.

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