Leonard Roberts

ROBERTS

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 2/1/2018 at 11:10:22

Leonard Roberts was born to Clifford and Mary Robets on the family farm south of Oxford, Iowa, on November 24, 1930. From an early age, Len charged around the farm driving a team of horses, milking cows and occasioally teasing his two sisters. Len graduated from Parnell Consolidated High School in 1949. He served in the United States Army in the 224th Regimental Combat Team during the Korean War where he was promoted to regimental sergeant major. Len's renowned organizational and administrative skills were formed in the Army. Len was proud of his service, having received his Combat Infantryman badge. He returned as a guest of the South Korean government in 2007 where he along with Buzz Aldrin and oher veterans, were honored for their service.
Len married Mary Joanne "Jo"Standley on June 5, 1954. Together they had four children.
Len obtained his bachelors and masters degrees from Iowa State Teachers College (nka University of Norhern Iowa) and his PH.D in school administration from Iowa State University. Len's long careet as an educator took him from teaching at a one rom school to his retirement as superintendent of Blomintonn Public Schools in Bloomington, Illinois, with stops along the way in Cedar Rapids, Hudson, Jewell, Maquoketa, Iowa, as well as Lombard Illinois. Len passionately advocated for education. He exhorted his colleagues to set goals and priorities urging them to "Do right things. Don't just to thins right"
Those who knew Len as a driven educatior, negotiator, administrator or sergeant major, may have missed his keen sense of humor. but his friends nad family enjoyed his joshing and colorful expressions; see e.g. "since Hector was a pup," Len was a constant student of history and a a religious reader of the New York Times. He and Jo retired to the family Century Farm south of Oxford in 1995, but spent their time traveling the globe with their lifelong friends, Bill and Deanie Broderick. He volunteered on the Johnson County Foster Care Review Board and as a small claims mediator. He served as clerk for Harding Township until he could finally persuade someone to replace him.
Len is survived by his wife, Jo, his children Jon (Patty) Roberts of St. Charles, Illinois, Peg Kramer of Iowa CIty, Carol (Ron) Hale of Goeland Illinois and Atticus and Ryan and sisters Lois Fergus and Ada Urice. Len was preceded in death by his parents.
Len, like his father, was a long time donor and volunteer at the Crisis Center of Johnson County. In lieu of fLowers donations may be made to the Crisis Center of Johnson County or the Sharon Center United Methodist Church.