Obituary of Leonard Charles Woythaler

Leonard “Lenny” Charles Woythaler, 76, of Urbandale, Iowa, son of Myron David and Doris Elaine (Hanson) Woythaler, was born December 8, 1947, in Holdrege, Nebraska.

  Lenny died of multiple myeloma on January 28, 2024, in Des Moines, Iowa. Throughout his life, Lenny faced adversity with remarkable courage. Even during his nine-year battle after the diagnosis, Lenny's strength shone through, and his resilient approach to life was unwavering, inspiring all who knew him.

  During his childhood, Lenny played football and basketball (he was small but notoriously fast), sang in the school chorus, played trumpet in the school band, and was a founding member of the infamous “Adam and the Smashers” (a band that narrowly missed recognition on par with The Beatles). He was a proud graduate of the 1966 Holdrege Dusters, and maintained close ties with many of his classmates throughout his life. After high school, he attended Midland College in Fremont (Nebraska) before graduating from Kearney State College (Nebraska) in 1970. He served his country with the US Army Reserves as a Staff Sergeant during the Vietnam era.

  On June 6, 1970, Lenny was united in marriage to Barbara (Bellamy) Woythaler in Kearney, and they celebrated their 53^rd anniversary last year. They had two children, Carly and Ryan.

  Professionally, Lenny carved a path of success in the insurance industry, and his career was characterized by hard work and grit, gaining his Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation in 1977. After working in several agencies throughout the Midwest, he eventually owned several successful agencies: Interstate Insurance Agency and Woythaler Insurance Corporation, both in Newton, Iowa, and Independent Insurance Associates in Clive, Iowa.

  Beyond work, Lenny's life was a tapestry of diverse interests and hobbies. His passion for family, tennis, collecting baseball cards, hunting, fishing, Husker football, travel, eating seafood, discovering Native artifacts, and an eternal pursuit of “steak, eggs and hash-browns” illustrate his adventurous spirit and love for exploration. Lenny was also a member of the Newton Tennis Association, Newton Ski Club, Newton Country Club, Jaycees, Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited, YMCA, Newton Elks and the Newton Izaak Walton League.

  While living primarily in Iowa, Lenny and Barb also called North Port, Florida home, where he enjoyed golfing, tennis, hunting for shark’s teeth, playing cards – and winning most of the time, to the dismay of his family and buddies – an occasional polka dance, and drinking beer with his friends. He made meaningful connections and cherished friendships wherever he went.

  He was preceded in death by his parents. Lenny’s legacy is one of love, strength and treasured memories. His spirit will continue to live on through his loving family, including his wife Barbara, of Urbandale, Iowa; daughter Carly Woythaler-Runestad (Kurt) of Lincoln, Nebraska; son Ryan Woythaler (Kim) of Baxter, Iowa; grandchildren Avery, Owen, Gus and Leo; sister Kristie Snyder (Dan) of Lincoln, Nebraska; brother-in-law Rod Bellamy (Marlene) of Spring, Texas; brother-in-law Chuck Bellamy of Port Charlotte, Florida, and many nieces, nephews, and treasured friends who were regarded as family members.

  Pence-Reese Funeral Home in Newton has been entrusted with the arrangements. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 17, from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. at the Iowa Speedway (3333 Rusty Wallace Drive – Newton Club, under the grandstands – Newton, Iowa). Memory-sharing and celebrating a life well-lived will be held around 2:00 p.m.

   Memorials are being designated to the Mourning Hope Grief Center in Lincoln, Nebraska or the Baxter Rural Fire Fighter Association in Baxter, Iowa. Each memorial location holds a special place in his family’s life.