Mike Leyden

May 24, 1945 - February 16, 2017

Michael Blair “Mike” Leyden, age 71, of Washington, Iowa, died Thursday, February 16, 2017, at his residence at Halcyon House following a one year battle with cancer. Celebration of life services will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 20, 2017, at the United Presbyterian Church in Washington with Pastor Darryl Carr officiating. Calling hours will begin 11:00 a.m. Sunday at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Interment will take place at the Elm Grove Cemetery in Washington. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for Hospice of Washington County or the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Iowa. Online condolences may be sent for Mike’s family through the web at www.jonesfh.com. Mike was born May 24, 1945, in Washington, Iowa the son of Earnest Jacob and Olive Helen (Kimmell) Leyden. Mike attended school in Washington, Iowa. He was united in marriage to Jane Christner in 1983 in Washington, Iowa. Mike worked 45 years for Sitler Electric in Washington, most recently as an Outside Salesman, retiring in 2007. He was a member of the Washington Golf and Country Club and was an avid golfer. Mike was a gun collector and enjoyed playing cards, playing pool and being around people. He is survived by his wife, Jane Leyden of Washington, IA; son, Mike (Andrea) Leyden of Washington, IA; daughter, Angela (Jeff) Leyden-Van Gundy of Cedar Rapids, IA; son, Lonnie Leyden of California; son, Joe Leyden of California; step-daughter, Geri MacDonald of California; step-son, Lonnie (Stacy) Christner of Swisher, IA; step-daughter, Teri (Troy) Fisher of Riverside, IA; grandchildren: Tanner, Trevor and Travis Leyden; Jason Mellinger, Jenny (Clint) Stout, Jordan Mellinger, Anna and Elle Van Gundy; Nathan and Zachary Leyden; Holli (Rachel) Christner, Weston Christner; Austin and Jordan Shebetka; Morgan and Dylan Fisher; Parker Leyden; two great grandchildren: Allison Mellinger and Macy Stout; sister, Jean (John) Slickers of Waterloo, IA; sister, Treva Kilgore of Washington, IA; brother, Phil (Sally) Leyden of Washington, IA; sister, Ina Rae Gappa of Wilton, IA; brother, Kim (Joan) Leyden of Washington, IA; brother, Roger (Linda) Leyden of Washington, IA; sister, Kathy (Keith) Sulzner of Iowa City, IA; brother, Eric (Sherry) Leyden of Ottumwa, IA; and sister-in-law, Donna Leyden of Riverside, IA; as well as many nieces and nephews. Mike was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Mary Ann Davison and Cheri Gingerich Sapp; brother, Jim Leyden; and brother-in-law, Ed Gappa.