Tony Leinen

Tony Leinen, age 58, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, passed away on September 20, 2025. He was born October 25, 1966, in Wichita, Kansas, to Dale and Marilyn (Parsons) Leinen.

Tony graduated from Lewis Central High School in 1985, where he played football. His passion for the game continued throughout his life, both as a player in his youth and as a devoted fan. He especially enjoyed cheering for the Iowa Hawkeyes and remained a loyal Dallas Cowboys supporter throughout the years.

On September 6, 2013, Tony married the love of his life, Dena (Slason) Leinen. Together they shared a life of love and family, although there was difficulty, they always found their way back to each other and their special bond of true love. Tony was a devoted son, a loving husband, a proud father, and a doting grandfather. He worked tirelessly to make life easier for those he loved and was known by all for his generous heart, a gift shaped by his mother's love.

Tony had many passions that brought him joy. He loved spending time outdoors camping and fishing, and he often found peace in taking leisurely drives around Manawa. Music was a constant in his life, and he enjoyed a wide range of styles. He especially loved going to concerts, saving each ticket as a reminder of the memories he created. He was also known to watch his favorite movie, Forrest Gump, at least once every year. Above all, Tony will be remembered for his loyalty, his kindness, and his deep love for his family.

He was preceded in death by his father, Dale Leinen; his mother, Marilyn (Parsons) Leinen; his brother, Melvin Leinen; and his mother-in-law, Rosetta (Huisinga) Slason.

Tony is survived by his wife, Dena (Slason) Leinen of Carson, Iowa; his daughter, Makayla (Svenn) Bilsten and son, Sebastian Bilsten of Denison, Iowa; his step-daughter, Nicole (Gerald) Glaza, daughter, Kai Collier, and son, Ryo Rocha of Omaha, Nebraska; his brothers, Blaine Leinen of Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Gene Leinen of Bellevue, Nebraska; his sister-in-law, Cindy Leinen of Omaha, Nebraska, and her daughter, Alicia Leinen, along with Alicia's children, Kenzo Leinen and Asia Goynes. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Jeff (Wendy) Slason of Del City, Oklahoma; his sisters-in-law, Vicki (Slason) Tanner-Rabas and her husband Todd of Stockbridge, Wisconsin, along with their children, Amber (Kyle) Schiltz and Logan Rabas; Crystal (Slason) Gubbels of Council Bluffs, Iowa, and her son, Derek Coburn, and grandson, Daymon Coburn; and Carmen (Slason) Brooks and her husband Jason of Omaha, Nebraska; Father-in-law, Deacon Stillman (Marlene) Slason (Volin, SD). and a host of other family and friends. 

Visitation will be Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 2:00 to 3:00 PM at Hoy Kilnoski Funeral Home. A memorial service will follow at 3:00 PM. Memorials can be directed to the family. Interment will be held privately.