H. Leslie Leas 1895-1989

DUNN, LEAS, DEAL, MORTELL, KAVLICK

Posted By: M. Durr - IAGenWeb Volunteer
Date: 3/28/2010 at 13:36:09

Funeral services for H (Harold) Leslie Leas, 94, were held Monday, August 7, 2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Waukon. Rev. James Jacobson officiated. Interment was in Oakland Cemetery. Martin's, Waukon, was in charge of arrangements.

H. Leslie Leas, son Alburtus Leas and Virginia Dunn Leas was born April 3, 1895 at Rossville, Iowa. He died August 4, 1989 at the Good Samaritan Center, Waukon.

He attended Rossville School. He spent most of his life in the Monona/Allamakee County area. He was a member of the VFW (Monona Chapter), was a 32nd degree Mason and belonged to the Rossville Presbyterian Church.

November 18, 1932 he married Zelda Deal at Chicago, IL. They owned and operated H. Leslie Leas Construction Co. of Monona and did contracting work for roads in sand, gravel and concrete. Through this company he formed Monona Concrete which he also operated for a time. After returning from France during WW I, where he served on the front lines, he came back to the area and entered the machinery repair business. This interest carried on well into life since he spent a lot of time collecting, renovating, buying and trading steam engines at different shows and events around the area. He was a former Monona City Councilman and held various other positions with Civic organizations. In 1935 he started the H. Leslie Leas Foundation which he used to make donations to worthwhile causes including several area churches and hospitals as well as Boys Town in Nebraska and political parties.

He was preceded in death by brothers and sisters: John, Roy, Martha, Carrie, Gladys, Eula, William and Mary.

Surviving are his wife, Zelda, 2 daughters, Mrs. Bill (Marlene) Mortell, Bloomingdale, IL and Mrs. Vince (Karen) Kavlick, Springfield, VA.

Pallbearers were Vern Haberichter, Wilbur Rose, John Lowe, George Erbe, Arvid Leas, James Leas, Steve Johanningmier and Lowell Siegele.

Postville, Iowa newspaper of the time clipping.