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White Funeral Home Jesup – Darlene (Fox) Leeman, the widow of Lehigh University’s legendary wrestling coach, Gerald “Germ” Leeman has died at the age of 88 in Iowa. Mrs. Leeman died Thursday, July 26, 2012 at the Eldora Nursing and Rehab Center, Eldora, IA where she was a resident. She was born December 20, 1923, in Jesup, IA, the daughter of Clarence LeRoy “Mick” Fox and Lora Mary (Comfort) Fox. Following her graduation from Jesup High School in 1941 she attended Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls, IA, where she earned a BA Degree in Education. She also met her future husband at college, Gerald Grant Leeman a student and wrestler from Osage, IA. The couple married, August 2, 1945, in Jesup, IA. They lived in Ft. Dodge, IA, for a short time before moving to the Bethlehem, PA, area where Gerald began his longtime association with Lehigh University and became head wrestling coach. Darlene pursued her career in education as well and taught kindergarten for many years before retirement. In their retirement they enjoyed living in Florida before returning to their Iowa roots, settling back in Cedar Falls around 2004. Gerald preceded her in death on October 10, 2008. Mrs. Leeman is survived by two sons, Mark Leeman and Jay (Judy) Leeman of Bethlehem, PA; one daughter, Jerilou Leeman of Des Moines, IA; three grandsons, Jayson Leeman, Cody Leeman, Travis Moseley; one granddaughter, Heather Dyar; one step-grandson, Chris Fluck; two great grandsons, Ayden Dyar, Prentice Dyar; and one great granddaughter, Evan Fluck. In addition to her husband, her parents and one sister, Betty Buckles preceded her in death. The Leeman family will gather Monday to honor their mother with services conducted by Christine Kaplunas, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Jesup. Burial will be beside her husband at Cedar Crest Cemetery, Jesup. Casket Bearers will be Jay Leeman, Mark Leeman, Travis Mosely, and Larry Campbell. Memorials may be directed to the Coach Leeman Lehigh Wrestling Fund at Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA. White Funeral Home, 1315 Main Street, Jesup, IA is in charge of the arrangements. |
