In Memory of LeRoy E. Farley

LeRoy E. Farley, age 91, of Ida Grove, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, February 21, 2021, at the Horn Memorial Hospital of Ida Grove, Iowa.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Monday, March 1, 2021, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Ida Grove, Iowa. Father Richard D. Ball will officiate. Committal Services will follow in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery of Ida Grove, Iowa, with military rites conducted by the McNamara-Moore Post # 61 of the American Legion of Ida Gove, Iowa.  Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., on Sunday, February 28, 2021, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, of Ida Grove, Iowa. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, masks are encouraged and social distancing rules apply during all services. Christensen - Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

LeRoy Edwin Farley was the son of Frances Jerome Farley and Florence May (Edwards) Farley, born January 14, 1930, in Manchester, IA.  The family lived in Waterloo, IA, where he graduated from Sacred Heart Catholic High School in 1949.  After graduation from high school, he began working for Woolworth Department Stores, as an Assistant Manager in Waterloo.  In 1948, he enlisted in the Navy and was placed on active duty in 1952 through 1953.  Upon returning from the military, he resumed working for Woolworth in Red Oak, IA.  LeRoy met the love of his life, JoAnn Freeman, while working in Red Oak, IA.  They were united in marriage August 5, 1957, in Red Oak.  While in Red Oak, LeRoy and JoAnn welcomed three children into their lives, Kevin, Kim and Kristi.  They then moved to Racine, WI, and made their way to Ida Grove, IA, in March of 1962, where they welcomed two more children, Kyle and Keri.

While in Ida Grove, LeRoy opened the Five and Dime Store, before transitioning into men’s clothing, where he owned and operated Farley’s Clothing for 38 years.  LeRoy also enjoyed driving the school bus in Ida Grove for 17 years.  During his lifetime, LeRoy devoted much of his time to his community, serving on many committees and service organizations.  He participated in many beautification projects in Ida Grove, the Historical Society, the Knights of Columbus and remained faithful to his church, giving much of his time to others.  He was an avid gardener and always had a beautifully landscaped yard and vegetable garden.  LeRoy was a man of great kindness, patience, integrity and compassion, who loved spending time with his family and friends. 

LeRoy’s life will always be loved, honored and cherished by his family which includes his five children: Kevin (Beth) Farley of Ida Grove and their children Amanda (Neil) Carroll and Dustin (Brittney) Farley; Kim (Neil) Schumacher of Lincoln, NE and their children Mandi Atkinson, Christopher (Jessica) Schumacher and Shawn (Chelsea) Schumacher; Kristi (Derek) Drury of Holstein and their children Nathan (Alicia) Drury and Aaron (Elizabeth) Drury; Kyle (Cathryn) Farley of Kansas City, MO and their children Austin Farley, Reece Farley and Ryland Jones; and Keri (Kevin) Weber of Ida Grove and their children Kirstin (Brayton) Grote and Kylee Weber; 16 great grandchildren and his brother, Leon (Elaine) Farley of San Diego, CA; Sister-In-Law, Darliss Farley of Waterloo, IA, along with many nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 60 years (JoAnn), his sisters, Dorothy (Carl) Deckler and Gertrude (Wayne) Sheppard and his brother, William Farley.