Fort Atkinson, Iowa - Leon Vsetecka

June 11, 1955 - January 4, 2026

Leon Vsetecka, age 70 of Fort Atkinson, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at his home surrounded by family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church, 201 Oak St, Fort Atkinson, Iowa, with Father Daniel Knipper presiding. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026, at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church, 201 Oak St, Fort Atkinson, Iowa. Visitation will also be from 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the church.

Born in New Hampton June 11,1955 to Frank & Phyllis (Sabelka) Vsetecka. He was baptized at Sacred Heart Riley Ridge in rural Lawler, and attended school at Turkey Valley graduating in 1973.

After high school, Leon started working at White Farm Equipment in Charles City until 1982. He then worked at Jennerjohn & Holthaus Drilling in Decorah until taking a job as a welder/truck mechanic with Hawkeye Truck/Thompson Truck until he retired in 2021. He continued with Leon's repair ......and we are sure his work will continue.

He was rarely seen without his favorite green and yellow equipment, believing firmly that "nothing runs like a deere". He was known for his incredible work ethic and his ability to fix just about anything (with a sledgehammer), a skill he shared with his neighbors, friends, family, and even strangers. While his work and hobbies were his calling- his family was his greatest joy. He was a devoted husband; Leon was untied in marriage to Barb Schmitt on September 27, 1975, at St. John's Catholic Church in Fort Atkinson. To this union they welcomed three sons, Michael, Ryan, and Eric, and then came his greatest blessings, his grandchildren. Nothing lit up his face more than giving his grandchildren rides (or letting them drive-no matter how old they were!) on his tractors, gator, or just being with them. And if they wanted Mt. Dew and donuts for breakfast, that's what it was going to be, he didn't know the word no. He made time for every school event, ball game, race night, and every quiet moment, ensuring they knew they were his pride and joy. You would also find him busy on the weekends at the local race tracks, crew chief of Vsetecka Racing 22V, again his favorite part was pounding out the dents during the following week with his sledgehammer. Saturday mornings he would be tuned in to the polka show, whistling away while tinkering on a project.

Leons warmth, generosity, and quiet strength will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He left us with "be good and I'll be fine."

He is survived by his wife, Barb of 50 years, sons Michael (Donna) of Fort Atkinson, Ryan (Lindsay) of Fort Atkinson, and Eric (Jenny) of St. Lucas. Grandchildren: Jackson, Morgan, Avery, Madalyn, Kinzey, Carter, and Aria. Mother-in-law Therese Schmitt. Siblings Karen (Dan Knop) Maricle, Keith Vsetecka, Rick (Shawn) Vsetecka, Dave (Robyn) Vsetecka, and brother-in -law Dennis Howe. Brothers and sisters in law: Gerry (Kay) Schmitt, Steve (Debby) Schmitt, Joan (Dale) Beckman, Cathy (Chad) Kuboushek, Dorothy (Gene) Elsbernd, Margie (Tim) Murray, Marie (Gary) Elsbernd, Joe (Katie) Schmitt, Jim (Teri) Schmitt, and Bob (Julie) Schmitt and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Phyllis (Sabelka)Vsetecka, father-in-law Roman Schmitt, grandson Matthew Vsetecka, brother Larry (Carleen) Vsetecka, and sister Diane Howe.