Leonard Akkerhuis was born on December 12, 1958, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Henry John and Johanna Gerry Akkerhuis. He passed away on June 15, 2026 in Mountain Grove, Missouri, at the age of 67.
Leonard grew up in Michigan. As he entered adulthood, he moved to Indiana. There, he met his first love, Tammy Lynn Griffin. Together, they had two children, Daniel and Matthew. Later, he and his sons moved to Florida, where he met his second love, Caralee Rona Haskins. Together, they moved to Missouri, where they purchased 60 acres north of Mountain Grove off Girlstown Road. Two children were later born to this union, John and Amanda.
In his younger years, Leonard’s first job was delivering RV’s all over the country. This evolved into a longtime career of truck driving. When he could no longer handle the long drives, he later became a mechanic. One of Leonard’s favorite pastimes was watching movies and television. However, he truly enjoyed spending his time on his 60 acres, where his son Matthew planted many fruit trees. Those fruit trees continue to thrive and produce to this very day!
Preceding him in death are his parents; his wife, Caralee Akkerhuis, and his daughter, Amanda Akkerhuis; his brother, Gerald Akkerhuis; and his sister, Jenny Akkerhuis.
Leonard is survived by his sons, Daniel Akkerhuis of Springfield, Missouri, Matthew Akkerhuis (Janet) of Mountain Grove, Missouri, and John Akkerhuis (Anzilee) of Mountain Grove, Missouri; seven grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, other loving family and many friends.
Leonard’s desire was to have no funeral services and have his remains donated to science.
