William R. Leonard, 85, of East Moline, passed away Thursday, July 22, 2021, at the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, Bettendorf. A memorial service will be held at 12 p.m. (noon) Tuesday, July 27, 2021 at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Milan. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (noon) at the church. Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Milan is assisting the family with arrangements. Memorials may be made to St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Milan or to the family.

William was born on December 9, 1935, in Rock Island, a son of Mason and Madeline (Hoffmann) Leonard. He was married to Donna Perkins from 1955 to 1962 and later married Eileen Desherow on September 7, 1974, in Milan. William and Eileen renewed their wedding vows on October 15, 1983. William worked as a mechanic at the J.I. Case Company for many years and retired in 1992. He enjoyed bowling and attended several national tournaments. William also liked stock cars and the Chicago Cubs and Bears. Above all, he enjoyed time spent with his family and friends. William was loved by all.

Those left to cherish William’s memory include his wife, Eileen; children, Kay (Rick) Janecek, John (Cindy) Leonard, Kristine Christopher, Candy Carmack, Terry (Monica) Leonard, and Ronald Leonard; 16 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; siblings, Betty Nerhus, Sandy Ulrich, Robert Leonard, Tom Leonard, Pat Hagloch, Dave Leonard, and Mike Leonard.

William was preceded in death by his parents; son, Wallace Leonard; brothers, Richard, Gerald, and Jim Leonard; sister, Linda “Lin” Van Loon; and son-in-law, Wayne Christopher.