Leonard D. Zink, 82 years of age, passed on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at UC Health Greeley Hospital.

Leonard was born on February 15, 1942 in Sterling, Colorado, as the third youngest of 9 children, to Victor and Elizabeth Zink. Leonard's family farmed in the Crook, CO area until moving to a farm outside of Padroni, CO in 1957.

Leonard married Barbara Ertle of Iliff, on July 6, 1968, and after a honeymoon in Colorado Springs, the two settled in Sterling to raise a family while he worked at the Sterling Colorado Beef Company. In January 1975, Leonard and Barbara were blessed with a son Kevin.

Throughout his time in Sterling, Leonard remained close to family and friends. Going to family picnics, holiday events, camping, fishing, and traveling that often included trips to the California wine country, to visit Barbara's family.

Leonard began building and flying radio control aircraft, and he became very active with the local club in Sterling. He spent many hours in his shop building aircraft with meticulous attention to detail. He and his "flying buddies" took the planes out on evenings and weekends to the local field to fly and enjoy the bonding time among friends.

Ever the farmer, Leonard's favorite hobby was his lawn and garden. He would spend all winter planning the summer's next garden. On most days of summer he would be outside nurturing his garden and flowers. In 2000, Leonard and Barbara moved to Greeley, where they have lived ever since. Continuing the gardening tradition, he grew the biggest and prettiest roses year after year.

During winter months, he enjoyed watching the Nuggets and Avalanche, and rarely missed a game.

In 2001, Leonard's first granddaughter Katelyn was born, and in 2004 his second granddaughter Kyla came along. His granddaughters were his pride and joy as he enjoyed watching their school plays, and sporting events as often as possible as the girls grew.

Leonard is preceded in death by his father Victor Sr., mother Elizabeth, brothers, Victor Jr., John, Bob, and sister Shirley Billings. To cherish his loving memory, he leaves behind, his beloved wife Barbara, son Kevin, daughter-in-law Karen, and granddaughters Katelyn and Kyla. He also leaves his brother and best friend Jerry, & sister-in-law Gail Zink, brother Joe, loving sisters Betty Farner and Rita Quint, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Leonard will always be remembered by his friends and family as a kindhearted, generous, easy-going person. Someone who was easy to talk to, quick to offer help, and loved by everyone he met.