Leland M. Nichols

Leland M. Nichols, 95 of La Porte City, 'flew west' as pilots would say, on October 30, 2024, at Bickford Senior Living of Marshalltown.

Lee was born December 5, 1928, at his century farm in La Porte City, the son of Ralph and Lorena (Runyan) Nichols. He graduated from La Porte City High School in 1946. Lee was united in marriage with his wife of 70 years, Bonnie L. Krantz, on December 31, 1948, at Washburn Community Church in Washburn, Iowa; she preceded him in death on October 31, 2019.

Lee farmed with his wife in rural La Porte City and was owner-operator of Nichols Aviation for many years. He started flying at a young age and soloed at the age of 16 at Flyers Field in Washburn. He obtained his Private and Commercial ratings and assisted ASCS with aerial photos and conducted DNR turkey and deer counts. Lee was a dealer for Cessna and conducted their Learn to Fly program where hundreds of students completed their training. He hosted the annual Labor Day pancake breakfast that was well supported by fly-ins and drive-ins of local neighbors and the community. Lee and Bonnie were active in the Iowa Flying Farmers and recognized as the International Flying Farmers Airport Operator of the Year in 1976. Lee was inducted into the Iowa Aviation Museum's Second Generation of Iowa Aviation Promoters in 2014.

He is also preceded in death by his parents, and sister Virginia (Loren) Dunkelberger.

Lee is survived by sons, John (Cynthia) Nichols of Fairfax, IA and Tom (Lori) Nichols of Anamosa, IA; daughter, Kathy (Jim) Lee of Ankeny, IA; 10 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren.

Visitation and Funeral Service: Family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Monday, November 4, 2024, at The Church of Promise-Buckingham. Funeral Service will take place at 2:00 p.m. at Church of Promise-Buckingham. Burial will follow at Westview Cemetery in La Porte City.

Locke in La Porte City is serving the family. Please visit lockefuneralservices.com to offer your condolences.