Leland L. Trost, age 91 of Stockton, IL, died peacefully at home with his family by his side on Tuesday, March 20, 2012. He was born at home on the farm in Rural Stockton on August 5, 1920, the son of Jacob and Edith (Robinson) Trost. Leland was a 1938 graduate of Stockton High School. While on military leave, he married Erylene Smith on May 30, 1943. She preceded him in death on January 17, 1996.
Leland joined the United States Army in the fall of 1942 at Camp Grant in Rockford, IL, a newly acted division, he served in the 96th Infantry. He was severely injured April, 1, 1945, on Easter Sunday, and received a Purple Heart. His memberships include: Calvary United Methodist Church of Stockton, Disabled American Veterans, and the Plum River Masonic Lodge. He was also a life long member of the Stockton VFW #1304 and of the Stockton American Legion #449. Leland loved to sing and was a member of several vocal groups in Stockton.
Leland was a founding member and served on the original board of the Stockton Atwood Community Golf Course. He owned and operated Trost Electric and Heating, and retired in 1983. Leland was also a Farmer. His business ventures include: StanLee Egg Farm, Maid Rite, and Hole in One Doughnut Shop. He enjoyed golfing and all sports, especially the Chicago White Sox, Bears, and Bulls. He got to live long enough to see his beloved Chicago White Sox win a World Series in 2005.
Leland is survived by his daughter Deanna (David) Bullock of Chesterton, IN; two sons, LaDon (Mary Lynn) Trost and Kevin (Mary Lynn) Trost, both of Stockton.; eight grandchildren, Nanette (Jaime) Tipton of Rosendale, WI, Teresa (Raymond) Tesmer of Warren, IL, Troy (Marci) Trost of Patosi, WI, Bobbie (Leigh) Trost of Freeport, IL, Marty Trost stationed in Tokyo, Japan (US Airforce ), David (Christine) Bullock of Chesterton, IN, Christopher Bullock of Scottsdale, AZ, and Brent Bullock of Milwaukee, WI; and twelve great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his wife; parents; daughter Marsha Lou; great-granddaughter Jordyn Trost; two sisters, Elma Shaw and Blanche Trost; and six brothers, Howard, Alva, Wallace, Carleton, Walter, and Glen.
Leland was blessed to have fully enjoyed his 91 years of life. He never hesitated to share his wisdom and words of advice. Everyone who knew him were truly blessed to have had him as a part of their lives.
The funeral service will be held Thursday, March 22, 2012, at the Calvary United Methodist Church in Stockton at 11:00 AM. A one hour visitation will be held prior to the funeral service beginning at 10:00AM. Internment will take place at Ladies Union Cemetery in Stockton. A memorial fund has been established.