Steven R. Leslein

Note: Steve did not graduate with us, but was with us for our Sophmore and Junior year.  Thanks to Steve Selchert for letting me know.  He commented, "Always a good friend who would have your back...RIP ole buddy."

Steven Ronald Leslein, 67, of Dubuque, died peacefully at home on Sunday, October 16th, 2016 surrounded by his loving family following a 22-month courageous and dignified battle with pancreatic cancer.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, October 20th, 2016 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor Josh Martyn officiating. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 19th, 2016 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Visitation will also be after 9:30 a.m. at the church, Thursday until time of service.

Steve was born on May 12th, 1949, the son of Melvin and Carmen (Nelson) Leslein.  He was united in marriage to Janis Twachtmann on July 23rd, 1977 in Cedar Rapids, IA.  Steve was employed at John Deere until 1984 when he started a series of businesses: Central Auto Sales, Leslein Toppers, Spanky’s Pawn Shop, and J & S Sandblasting.

Steve was a lifelong fisherman and knew every slough and wing dam on the upper Mississippi River.  He was a former member of the Dubuque Walleye Club and Walleye Anglers Trail.  He was fortunate enough to have competed in five Cabela’s National Walleye Tour Championships. However, his favorite tournament was the Dubuque Walleye Club’s annual Kid’s Day tournament.

He was an avid collector of antique automobiles and enjoyed driving with his wife through the scenic back roads of Iowa and Wisconsin.  Steve had a remarkable memory and was a consummate jokester and storyteller who was enlivened by those surrounding him.  He was a larger than life character who will be miss by all who knew him.

He loved his children and was proud of their accomplishments.  Steve especially loved his grandchildren and enjoyed spoiling them at every opportunity.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years Janis, son Tim (Connie Winter) Leslein, of Dubuque, daughter Tammy (Markus) Machers, of St. Charles, IL, daughter Lia (Tony) DiBlasi of McKinney, TX, and son Dr. Nicholas Leslein, of San Francisco, CA. Grandchildren, Brittany (James) Gaylord, Olivia Leslein, Emma Mae Machers, Ella Rose and Quinn DiBlasi; great grandchildren, James “Trip” Gaylord and Mylo Leslein; and Connie’s daughter Madison.  His mother-in-law Joyce Twachtmann, sisters-in-law Sheri (Mike) Neilly, and Barb Twachtmann, along with his loving nephews and nieces.

The family request no flowers, in lieu of flowers a Steven R. Leslein memorial fund will be established to support Hospice of Dubuque and the Dubuque Walleye Club Kid’s Day tournament.