Leslie “Wayne” Coonfare, 64, of Volga, Iowa, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, on Wednesday, March 2, 2022, at his home. He was born on August 16, 1957, in Manchester, the son of Leslie and Ruth (Hanson) Coonfare. Leslie graduated with the class of 1976 from Central High School in Elkader. He enjoyed football, wrestling, and track.
On March 29, 1980, Leslie was united in marriage to Artella Puffett. Three children were born to this union, Lillian, Leon, and Jericho. For five years Leslie worked as a clammer on the Mississippi River, which he truly loved. He brought in many pearls over the years. Later he worked as a welder at Henderson’s in Manchester.
Leslie was an avid outdoor person who enjoyed hunting deer, mushrooms, and ginseng. He loved fishing with his grandson, Tyler, and trapping with his dad. Leslie loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He loved his dogs, Gismo and Boo Boo. His faithful companion, Gismo, was by his side at all times, even at the time of his death.
Survivors include his wife of 41 years, Artella Coonfare of Volga; his three children, Lillian Mastin, Leon (Nicole) Coonfare, and Jericho (Tammy) Coonfare; seven grandchildren, Michael Mastin, Logan Putz, Tyler Alber, Zoe Stawn, Nathan Lockard, and Riglee Jo and Holden Coonfare; his mother, Ruth Coonfare; four siblings, Linda (Ron) Averkamp, April Coonfare, Diane (Russ) Frieburger, and Travis (Mary) Coonfare; and many nieces and nephews.
Leslie was preceded in death by his father, Leslie Coonfare, and a brother, Billy Jo Coonfare.
The family would like to thank St. Croix Hospice for the wonderful care that they gave to Leslie.
Online condolences may be sent to www.leonard-mullerfh.com
Memorial Service: 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, March 12, 2022, at Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Strawberry Point, Iowa, with Pastor Joan Thomas officiating.
Visitation: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, March 12, 2022, at Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Strawberry Point, Iowa.
