Obituary of Leif Jay McGowan

Leif Jay McGowan, 65, passed away, December 23, 2023 at the VA Medical Center in Iowa City. 

He will be inurned with honors at Rock Island National Cemetery, Rock Island, Illinois. The Henderson-Barker Funeral Home in West Branch is caring for Leif and his family.

Leif was born August 9, 1958 the son of John McGowan and Maureen (Kenney) McGowan. He was a graduate of West Branch High School in 1976. 

He proudly served in the United States Army spending most of his tour in Germany. Leif was united in marriage to Diane Holdiman and together they had on son Logan, Leif and Diane later divorced. 

Leif had been employed as a truck driver in the area for many years. He was an active member of the West Branch American Legion Post #514 and enjoyed riding his 1962 Harley Davidson panhead motorcycle, gardening; growing cucumbers to make lime pickles and pumpkins. 

He is survived by his son Logan of Cedar Rapids, father, John (Beverly) McGowan of Marion, mother, Maureen Kenney McGowan of West Branch; and brother, Bradley. Special friends: Charley Crago and John Phillips and three step children: Michael Dittmer of Tipton, Erin Gerhard of Virginia and David Dittmer of Missouri. He was preceded in death by a brother Cal. 

Leif was the best interstate and highway gear shift selection technician.