Leonard Alton Anker

Leonard Alton Anker, 87, passed away on Monday, Sept. 22, 2008, at his home in Gardnerville. He was a third generation Nevadan born in Lovelock June 13, 1921 to James Phillip and Myrtle Talcott Anker. Leonard grew up on the family ranch in Lovelock and graduated from Pershing County High School. He attended the University of Nevada at Reno and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture.

Two days following graduation, Leonard entered the Army and became a commissioned officer. He was sent to England to join the American 29th Infantry Division and on June 6, 1944, led a platoon on Omaha Beach on D-Day. For his service, Lt. General Omar N. Bradley presented Leonard with the Distinguished Service Cross, the second highest U.S. medal for valor. During his service, Leonard was also decorated with three Purple Hearts and three Bronze Stars. Captain Anker was honorably discharged May of 1946.

Following the war, Leonard married his college sweetheart, Frances Helen Burke, June 10, 1946. He worked for the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension Service in Reno for a short time and then transferred to the Minden office. Within a few years, Leonard joined the USDA Soil Conservation Service and spent many years working with Carson Valley ranchers. He retired from Federal service in 1975 and continued on to be a successful businessman and rancher. Leonard served on the Gardnerville Town Water Board for 10 years and on the Minden-Gardnerville Sanitation Board for 20 years. He was a life-long member of Carson Valley Masonic Lodge No. 33 and belonged to numerous other service organizations to include Kiwanis, Rotary, 20-30 Club, and Toastmasters.

Leonard is survived by his loving wife of 62 years and his children; daughter, Beverly Dudley (Mark) and son, Alton Anker (Sue) of Gardnerville; daughters, Shirley Anker of Carson City, and Claudia Monroe (Duncan) of Spring Creek, Nevada. His sister, Phyllis Bendure of Carson City, eight grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, numerous cousins and many good friends also survive him.

His parents and three brothers; Peter, Stanley, and Norman Anker preceded him in death.

A celebration of Leonard's life will be 1 p.m., Monday, Sept. 29. It will take place at the home of Mark and Beverly Dudley at 1350 Easton in Gardnerville. Burial will be at the Big Meadow Cemetery in Lovelock. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the charity of your choice.