Bernard Lester Leeman (1927-2018)

LEEMAN, NELSON, SAUNDERS, LONG, MESSER, ELIASON

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 10/5/2018 at 21:27:44

Obituary From Adams Soderstrum Funeral Home, Story County, Iowa.

Bernard Lester Leeman, age 90, passed away September 23, 2018. Bernie was born December 3, 1927 to Milton and Minnie Leeman in Maine Township, Minnesota. He was baptized at Maine Presbyterian Church. As a boy, Bernie was active in 4-H with an interest in forestry. He helped on the family farm and enjoyed swimming. At age 16, he started a job driving a taxicab in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. Later, he joined the US Navy and served as a gunner’s mate and helmsman on the USS Osmus, a destroyer escort.

Bernie married Clara Nelson in 1951. They first lived in Fargo, North Dakota, where he drove a gasoline transport truck. In 1952, they moved to Story City and later to Randall. Bernie owned his own trucks and hauled corn and beans for many years. Later, he delivered motor homes for Winnebago and worked as a custodian for Iowa State University.

He enjoyed gardening, hunting, reading, working on puzzles, playing cards, walking, bicycling, and motorcycling.

Bernie was a member of Elim Lutheran Church in Randall. He was involved in many church and community activities, including adult Sunday school, Sunday school treasurer, Bible study, Lions Club, Community Club, Randall’s town council and volunteer fire department, and Congregate meals.

He was a humble man who was kind to everyone.

In recent years, Bernie resided at Timberland and Bethany Manor, where he was grateful for the staff’s loving care.

Bernie is survived by his sons, Philip (Patty) and David (Beth); grandsons, Ryan, Brandon (Laurel), Daniel (Kelli) and Joel (Natalie); great-grandsons Zayne, Cooper, Micah, and Teddy; and sisters Iona Saunders, Shirley Long, and Inez Messer. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Clara, grandson Micah, and siblings Lyle, Leitha Eliason, Myrna Saunders, Bill, and Mark.

In lieu of flowers the family would like donations to be made to Elim Lutheran Church.

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