Leo Grover Jackson, 79, of Albert Lea died suddenly on Monday, Nov. 8, 2010, in Kimberling City, Mo., while on one of his much enjoyed road trips.

Leo was born on Nov. 3, 1931, in Lincoln City, Neb. the son of Grover and Mary (Fink) Jackson. As a young boy, his family moved to the Albert Lea area where he has resided since. “Dode,” as he was called by many, was a graduate of Albert Lea High School. He served our country in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict. After he returned from the service he married the love of his life, LaVonne J. Miller.

During his life, Leo had first worked for Bonnerup Funeral Service under the direction of Jens Bonnerup. He then worked for several years at Wilson and Co. before returning to work for Bonnerup Funeral Service. After retirement he remained active working at Bill Olson’s Crossroads Motors, and most recently Sanderson’s Auto.

He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, and had been a member of the Elks Lodge. Dode was a sports car fanatic having been very involved in the southeast Minnesota Sports Car Club. He enjoyed collecting, going to car shows, and was known for taking impeccable care of the cars he owned. In his later years, he became quite a proficient wood-worker, which he enjoyed.

He enjoyed being out and about and was fortunate to have a long list of trip stories. His family fishing vacations were treasured memories and in later years he especially enjoyed his trips to Branson, Mo.

He is survived by his children: Carol (Matt) Williams, Puyallup, Wash.; Bob (Angie) Jackson, Albert Lea; Laurie Jackson (Ron Duran), Shelton, Wash.; special granddaughter: Holly Jackson, Albert Lea; sister: Marjorie Boelman, Austin, Minn.; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Theresa Jackson, Albert Lea; Vivian Jackson, San Antonio, Texas; Corrine Miller, Owatonna; O’Dean and Regina Miller, New Richland; many nieces, nephews and special friends Father Donald Zenk and Wilma Pirkl.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, LaVonne; brothers: Jesse, Emery “Buck”, Robert “Bob,” Ken, Phillip and Tom Jackson; sisters: Mildred Jackson, Belva Glenndening and Kathleen Horsman.

Memorial Services for Leo will be held at 11a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17, at Grace Lutheran Church, Albert Lea. The Rev. Andrea Myers will officiate. Interment will be at Hillcrest Cemetery. Friends may visit with family from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Bonnerup Funeral Service, Albert Lea, and one hour before the service at the church. Military Honors will be accorded by Albert Lea Veteran’s Organizations.