Leonard Crossley

Leonard Crossley (Len), age 94, peacefully passed away at his home, surrounded by family on January 11, 2021. He was born December 5, 1926 to Sidney and Rose (Dahl) Crossley in Whiting, IA. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother and two sisters. He is survived by his wife of 76 years Betty (Baker) Crossley; sons, Donald (Maxine) Crossley, Jim (Andi) Crossley; daughter, Joan Collins; three grandchildren, Heather Crossley (Ryan Sadler), Hillary Martin (Michael) and Michelle Johnson-Collins (Matthew Johnson); four great grandchildren, Sidney, Griffin and George Martin and Merrett Johnson-Collins.

Leonard was a patriot, entrepreneur, businessman and inventor. He served his country during WWII in the US Army and was assigned to General Douglas MacArthur’s headquarters in the Pacific. One of his prized possessions was a star from General MacArthur’s four-star general’s license plate. With the aid of his wife, Betty, he founded Commercial Refrigeration Co. (CRC) in 1956, which is operated today by his three children. In 1983, with the help of Betty and Joan he opened the Lake Manawa Dairy Shoppe and remained in business until it was sold in 1995. Leonard was always looking for a better way of doing things and was awarded three patents for inventions he developed. Leonard was a life-long member of the Christian Church and was an active member of East Side Christian Church. He was a 50 plus year member of the Masonic Lodge and the Shrine; until 2015 was active in Motor Patrol A and the Corvette Club.

There will be a private graveside service held at the Omaha National Cemetery. There will be an open visitation on Friday, May 28th 2021 from 1:00 - 3:00 pm at East Side Christian Church (331 West Bennett Ave) in Council Bluffs, IA. This would have been Leonard and Betty's 77th wedding anniversary. In lieu of flowers or memorials the family asks that we all hold those we love close and remember those who have gone on ahead. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to everyone at Everystep Hospice, especially, Sally and Sam.