Leland Gene Doorenbos

Leland  Doorenbos of Tucson, Arizona, formerly of Boyden Iowa, passed away on March 4, 2025, at the age of 83 at Academy Villas in Tucson, Arizona.  

Visitation with the family will be held from 6-8 pm Friday March 28, 2025 at the United Presbyterian Church in Boyden, Iowa. Leland’s funeral service will be held Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 10:30 am at the United Presbyterian Church in Boyden, Iowa.  

Leland was born May 5, 1941 to Theodore and Olive (Schafer) Doorenbos on a farm south of Boyden, Iowa. Leland graduated from Boyden High School. After high school, he enlisted in the US Navy and served on the submarine Greenfish. Following his time in the navy, he returned to Boyden to work for Dethmers Manufacturing. He met the love of his life Ella Van Kekerix in Sheldon. They were married on January 23, 1965.  In 1968, Leland and Ella moved to the farm just north of Boyden where he enjoyed farming until he retired.  Leland and Ella spent many winters in Tucson, Arizona and summers at the farm and at Lake Okoboji. In 2022, they moved permanently to Tucson, Arizona.

Leland was a member of United Presbyterian Church in Boyden where he served as both an elder and a trustee. He also served on the board of the Boyden Coop. He enjoyed attending his children’s and later his grandchildren’s activities. He was an avid golfer and spent many hours at Otter Valley Country Club and other courses in the area. He loved fishing and spending time at Lake Okoboji with his family and friends. He took pleasure in traveling and visited many wonderful destinations. In Tucson, he enjoyed sailing miniature remote-controlled sailboats at the local pond. He liked playing cards and games, especially dominos, with family and friends.  As his mobility decreased, he spent hours working puzzles and Sudoku. Leland had a true gift of connecting with others and making every individual feel loved and treasured. 

Leland is survived by his wife of 60 years, Ella; children Jerry (Jennifer) Doorenbos, Julie Doorenbos (George Meisch) and Jeff (Christie) Doorenbos; grandchildren Amanda (fiancé Noah) Doorenbos, Emily Doorenbos, Zachary Doorenbos, Rebecca Doorenbos, Alex (Megan) Doorenbos, Max Doorenbos, and Ollie Doorenbos; siblings Donna Meyer, Darlene (Ray) DeVilbiss, Arlen (Linda) Doorenbos, Carolyn Doorenbos, Sharon Hollatz, Elwin (Lisa) Doorenbos,  Ken (Sue) Doorenbos, Dwight (Nancy) Doorenbos, and Linda (Rick) Korthals; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.