Leo J. Gansen Jr., 61, of Epworth, Iowa, passed away on February 2, 2020 at Unity Point Health Trinity in Bettendorf, IA.

Visitation for Leo will be held from 1 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, February 6, 2020 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Epworth, Iowa where a prayer service will be held at 2 p.m., a Knights of Columbus rosary will be held at 7 p.m., Farley Volunteer Fire Department will meet in a body at 6:30 p.m. and Epworth Volunteer Fire Department will meet in a body at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will also be held after 9 a.m. at the funeral home on Friday. Mass of Christian burial for Leo will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, February 7, 2020 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Placid, Iowa with Rev. Michael Schueller presiding. Burial will be held in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Epworth, Iowa.

He was born February 27, 1958, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Leo J. and Shirley (Jaeger) Gansen Sr. He was a 1976 graduate of Western Dubuque High School. On October 20, 1979 he was united in marriage to Wendy Thias-Miller at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Epworth, Iowa. He worked at the Anamosa State Penitentiary in Anamosa, IA for 26 years.

Leo loved spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. He loved fishing, camping and spending time at the family cabin in Guttenberg. He also enjoyed working on race cars in his shop in Epworth. Leo was an avid fan of Green Bay Packers, St. Louis Cardinals and the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Leo was an avid supporter of the Western Dubuque Bobcat Athletics (especially #20 and #23) and could often be found at his grandchildren’s sporting events. He was proud of his children and grandchildren’s accomplishments. He also made time to lend a helping hand to family, friends or a stranger.

He was a member of the St. John’s Parish in Placid, Iowa. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #7823, AFSCME Council #61, and Local #2994 where he served as past president. Leo served on the Board of Adjustment for Dubuque County and served on AFSCME Council #61 Executive Board. 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, IA; four children, Damien (Tanya) Miller of Dubuque, IA, Terry (Andrea) Miller of Waterville, IA, Eric (Katie) Gansen of Farley, IA, Andrea (Jamie) Brehm of Bernard, IA; 14 grandchildren; a brother, Garry (Sue) Gansen of Epworth, IA; Brothers and Sisters-in-law, Bill (Cindi) Thias of Harpers Ferry, IA, Deanne Normann of Clermont, IA, Danny Beisker Leola, PA; and many close cousins, nieces and nephews.

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

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