Leo Gansen, Jr.

Leo J. Gansen, Jr., 61, of Epworth, passed away February 2, 2020 at Unity Point Health Trinity in Bettendorf. Mass of Christian burial was held Friday, February 7 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Placid with Rev. Michael Schueller presiding. Burial was held in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Epworth.

Leo was born February 27, 1958 in Dubuque, the son of Leo J. and Shirley (Jaeger) Gansen, Sr. He was a 1976 graduate of Western Dubuque High School.

October 20, 1979 he was united into marriage to Wendy Thias-Miller at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Epworth. He worked at the Anamosa State Penitentiary in Anamosa for 26 years.

Leo loved spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. His family was truly his top priority; he was genuinely proud of his children, his grandchildren and all of their accomplishments. Any given weekend he could be found spending time at the family cabin in Guttenberg. He loved fishing with anyone who would go, camping with friends and family, and working on race cars in his shop, where he passed on his love for racing to his family. He always made time to lend a helping hand to family, friends or a stranger.

Leo was a proud supporter of the Western Dubuque Bobcat Athletic Program (especially #s 20 and 23), and an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers, St. Louis Cardinals and the Iowa Hawkeyes.

He was a member of the St. John’s Parish in Placid, Knights of Columbus Council #7823, AFSCME Council #61 where he served on the Executive Board, Local #2994 where he served as past president, and the Board of Adjustment for Dubuque County. Leo was an avid political supporter and union member where he worked tirelessly to support workers’ rights.

He is survived by his wife, Wendy Gansen of Epworth; four children, Damien (Tanya) Miller of Dubuque, Terry (Andrea) Miller of Waterville, Eric (Katie) Gansen of Farley and Andrea (Jaime) Brehm of Bernard; 14 grandchildren; a brother, Garry (Sue) Gansen of Epworth; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Bill (Cindy) Thias of Harpers Ferry, Deanne Normann of Clermont and Danny Beisker of Leola, PA; and many close cousins, nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his father- and mother-in-law, Eugene and Janet Thias; his father-in-law, Marvin Miller; and a nephew, Justin Thias.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com.