Ronald LeRoy Leist

Ronald L. Leist, 74, of Rowan, passed away on Monday, August 2, 2021 at Clarion Wellness and Rehabilitation Center in Clarion.

Funeral services for Ron Leist will be held on Saturday, August 7, 2021 at 2:00 PM at the Belmond United Methodist Church, 1031 1st Street South East in Belmond, with Pastor Nancy Hofmiester from United Church of Rowan officiating. Burial will take place at Graceland Cemetery in Rowan.

To join Zoom broadcast of funeral service, click the link below. CLICK HERE to join Zoom broadcast of Ronald's service Meeting ID: 970 6980 3009 Passcode: 596457

Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 PM on Friday, August 6, 2021 at Ewing Funeral Home, 111 Luick’s Lane South in Belmond.

Ronald LeRoy, son of John and Virginia (Davis) Leist, was born on June 27, 1947 at the hospital in Belmond. Ron grew up on the farm outside of Rowan. He attended school in Rowan and graduated from Belmond High School. While in high school, Ron played football and the team was undefeated all four years he played where he truly earned his nickname, Burly.

On May 26, 1971, Burly was united in marriage to Donna Steenblock at the Belmond United Methodist Church. The couple made their home on their farm and are blessed with three children. Ron was a farmer at heart and loved being on the farm whether working the land or helping a new calf into the world. He would often drive around admiring the countryside he loved. He grew up milking cows and later raised various livestock with his kids and Donna. His biggest accomplishments were the farm and his family.

Burly loved all things outdoors including hunting and fishing trips to Devil’s Lake. He enjoyed taking his kids and later his grandchildren fishing and asparagus hunting. Ron always had a joke and was a great storyteller, drawing you in with his excitement. He never met a stranger as there was always an extra seat at the table and if you were hungry or needed something, Ron stepped up. His generosity was beyond measure and believed in the “Golden Rule.”

Burly is survived by his wife of 50 years, Donna of Rowan; children LeRon Morel of Muscatine, John H. Leist (Julie Thompson) of Galt, and Casey (Cory) Schenke of Colesburg; grandchildren Tioano Morel, Sanaai Morel and Ericka Morel, all of Muscatine and Ryker Schenke and Rowan Schenke of Colesburg; brother Roger (Carnita) Leist; sister-in-law Bonnie Leist; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and brother Robert Leist.