Leroy Picha

LeRoy E. Picha, 93, longtime resident of Bettendorf, joined the love of his life, Dorothy, on January 25, 2020 surrounded by the love of his family.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday at McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home, Bettendorf,  Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.  Inurnment will be at the Rock Island Arsenal National Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Jude Childrens Hospital.

LeRoy was born on September 29, 1926 in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, the son of William and Rexie (Holmes) Picha.  On March 2, 1954, he married Dorothy Murach in Davenport.  They had a 53 year love affair filled with travel and adventures all over the United States and overseas.  He retired from Oscar Meyer after 35 years of service.

LeRoy was a World War II Army veteran and proudly wore the hat commemorating his service. He served in the Philippines in the Pacific conflict and then was transferred to Japan to assist in the post war revitalization.  He had the privilege of being able to take the Honor Flight to Washington D.C. with fellow veterans thanks to the generous support of HyVee, his favorite hangout.  He had many dear friends at his morning sessions at HyVee, including the staff and all the wonderful people.

LeRoy was an avid hunter, a black powder enthusiast and a proud lifetime member of the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association, as well as the National Rifle Association.  He loved wildlife of all kinds and enjoyed feeding his birds and various other critters that visited his backyard.  He was especially fond of anything to do with the White Buffalo and any albino animals.  LeRoy had an extensive knowledge of the American Indians, especially Chief Blackhawk and the Civil War, and all things having to do with Mountain Men.

Those left to honor his memory are his daughter, Rose Lensing and her husband, John; grandchildren, Julie Stephens, Chris (Heidi) Lensing, Kyle (friend, Jessica) Picha, April (Dan) Novotny; great-grandchildren, Justis (Easton) Burgin, Cullen Lensing, Lillian and Waverly Novotny.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy; brother, Ray; sister, Ruth Wivelstad; and daughter, Theresa Picha Sindt.