Leonard Pistek Sr.

Leonard Pistek, Sr., 96, of Britt passed away Sunday, August 25, 2024 at the Concord Care Center in Garner.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 139 3^rd Street SE in Britt.  Burial will be in St. John’s Catholic Cemetery in Duncan. 

Visitation will be held from 5:00 - 7:00 PM on Friday, August 30, 2024 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 139 3rd Street Southeast in Britt with a Rosary service beginning at 4:30 PM and a Scriptural Wake following visitation at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the services at the church on Saturday. 

Leonard Frank Pistek, Sr., the son of Frank and Barbara (Hadacek) Pistek, was born on March 23, 1928 in Britt.  After attending country school in Britt, he went to help his dad on the family farm. 

In 1945, Leonard joined the United States Marines Corp. He was stationed in Northern China after WW II ended.  He faithfully served his country until he was honorably discharged. 

When he returned from service, Leonard was united in marriage to Kathleen Chizek on August 25, 1949 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Britt.  To this Union, the numerous nine were born.  They raised their family in various parts of north Iowa before returning to Britt.  Leonard was a resident of Concord Care Center in Garner for the past 9 years where he was cared for and loved by the dedicated staff. 

Leonard wore many hats and held many jobs reflecting his wide range of talents. He was a farmer, a butcher at his own locker and for multiple grocery stores, worked at a bakery and retired as the Maintenance Supervisor at Winnebago Industries in Forest City.  

In his free time, he loved being outdoors hunting, fishing and tending to his large garden and apple orchard. He enjoyed reading and watching Westerns. He was a great cook, notably when it came to different meats.  He had his own special smoked sausage and bologna recipes.  Mostly he enjoyed spending time with his family.  On Saturday nights the family enjoyed popcorn he made on the stove top while watching TV, (including polka dancing and music).  He loved polka music and played it on his accordion.  He did not read music and played every song by ear!

He was a man of Faith and instilled that faith into his family. He will be missed for his loving and caring ways, along with those sparkling blue eyes and beautiful smile.  

He is survived by his children Francis Pistek of Garner, Mary (Dennis) Hutchinson of Cedar Falls, Carol (Dave) Moline of Cedar Falls, Daughter-in-law Cindy Pistek of Britt, Barb (Bill) Swift of Dell Rapids, South Dakota, Joseph (Kim) Pistek of Albia, Teresa Decker of Whittemore, Patricia (Paul) Birkey of Le Mars, Paul (Julie) Pistek of Plymouth; 37 grandchildren; 76 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; two sisters-in-law Veronica (William) Lawlor and Marge Jano. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Kathleen Pistek, son Leonard Pistek Jr, daughter-in-law Elaine Pistek, and grand-son-in-law Scott Koppes. 

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