Leon Francis Youngbear, "Ma-Kwa", 76, of Montour, passed away Tuesday, June 5, 2018 at Premier Estates of Toledo. Traditional Graveside Services will be held Thursday, June 7, 2018 at 2:00 PM at Meskwaki Cemetery on the Meskwaki Settlement with Homer Bear as Speaker. A Traditional Wake will be held Wednesday evening, June 6, 2018 at the Bear Clan Ceremonial Building on the Meskwaki Settlement in rural Tama.

Leon was born on July 23, 1941, in Toledo, IA, the son of Kenneth Youngbear and Rose Hershell.

He graduated from South Tama High School and served his country in the U.S. Army during Vietnam. A mission that killed the rest of his comrades, left him paralyzed from the waist down.

Leon enjoyed puzzles, watching movies, rock and roll music, and taking care of his dogs.

Survivors include his sisters; Joyce Kapayou of Tama and Beatrice Youngbear of Tama; brothers Alan (Arlene) Young of Wyoming, Irvin (Tressa) Youngbear of Tama, Gerald Youngbear of Tama; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his brothers, Kenneth Jr., Jerry, and Timothy Youngbear; a sister Inez Youngbear; and several nieces and nephews.