The greatly beloved Leslie David DeRaad, Jr., age 59, took his last breath on October 4th, 2021. After a year’s battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis, he said goodbye to his family and friends in the comfort of his own home. He was surrounded by people who loved him and remembered him fondly.
It all started on January 18th, 1962, in St. Paul, Minnesota. Les was born to Leslie DeRaad, Sr. and Manuella Diaz DeRaad. They later moved to Geneva, and then moved to Dodge Center in 1976.
Les met the love of his life, Allison Cain, in the 8th grade. They married in 1985 and have spent the last 36 years building a marriage of much love, laughter, travel adventures, and holding hands.
He didn’t live long enough to really decide what he wanted to do when he grew up, but he knew he wanted to be a good person and leave a legacy of goodness and kindness – serving others, just because it was the right thing to do, whether they “deserved it” or not.
He held a variety of jobs over the years; Les spent 20+ years managing the Kasson Legion and most recently worked at Hardware Hank in Kasson, allowing him to continue helping people in the community – which was always his goal.
Les was known as husband, father, brother, son, Boppy, friend, Bartender Les, BTL Good Guy, and Uncle Tiger.
Les proudly served in the United States Army Reserves from 1984-1990.
Les was preceded in death by his mother, Minnie; nephew, Andrew; half-sister, Dawn; father-in-law, Grayston Cain; and a number of cousins, aunts, and uncles. Survivors include his sunshine, Allison; daughters Holland (Dylan) Harris of Kasson and Hailley of Sebeka; grandchildren, “Little Man” Vinton Harris and “Baby Girl” Valyn Harris. Les was proud of his family, especially his children and his very beloved grandchildren.
Other survivors include his father, Les Sr.; baby brother, Lorne DeRaad; sisters, Lorette DeRaad and Lynn DeRaad; mother-in-law, Jackie Cain; brother-in-law, Tim (Shari) Cain; nieces and nephews, Shian, Gareth, Justin, Steven, Nicholas, Lauren; many cousins and a village of incredible humans who called him brother.
A celebration of life will be held in honor of Les on Friday, October 8th, 2021 at the Dodge County Fairgrounds from 5pm-10pm. Let’s send this amazing man off with one more party and come share your stories and laughter.
Please be thoughtful of our current pandemic and be with us in spirit if you are unwell.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the family so they can disperse as Les requested.
Les was a big hearted guy. We need more like him. Best smile I’ve ever known!
I got to know Les from the last couple years he bartended at the Legion and then worked at the hardware store. I loved his sarcasm and I experienced that when I retired. I wanted something to do other than watch the birds so I decided to paint some birdhouses. I went and picked out some paint and Les looked at me with
a sideways grin and said “Are you doing crafts?” and then laughed. I’ll miss him.
Allison, so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and the girls at this sad time.
What a wonderful man we have lost! Prayers for his family at this difficult time.
We have a warm place in our hearts for the entire family of Les, a lot of years you and Les have been like family. Les has been taken way to soon and not a one of us could have changed that. But we can carry the memories on, and take a part of Les that we idolized and use it our everyday life to keep him with us and maybe make someones day better by doing so.
Fly High My Friend! Rest In Peace!
Tom & Vicki Markham
Sorry that I missed his memorial service as I just heard about it today. I always enjoyed talking to him and playing pool with him. He always had an upbeat attitude and was ready to help out in any way he could. He will be missed by many.