Paul Leis, 91

Paul William Leis, 91, Elbow Lake, died Saturday, September 22, 2012 at Barrett Care Center.

Paul was born October 27, 1920 in Delaware Township, Grant County to Jacob and Nellie (Buhr) Leis. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and was a member of Christ Lutheran Church. When the family moved to Elbow Lake, he attended school through the 8th grade, after which he worked for his father and others in the area. In November 1942, Paul joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served in the Pacific Theater, where he fought in the battle of Iwo Jima and participated in the occupation of Japan. He was honorably discharged in January 1946.

He returned to Minnesota and obtained his GED at Marshall High School in Minneapolis. Returning to Elbow Lake, Paul joined his father and brothers at Leis Motors to retail Chrysler products.

On June 17, 1950 Paul married Alice “Bonnie” Meberg of Park River, North Dakota. They continued to make their home in Elbow Lake for the next 62 years.

Paul enjoyed working with his customers and helping them with their automotive needs. To him, it was all about the customer, which was possible because of the dedicated employees at Leis Motors. He enjoyed going for evening swims at Eagle Lake with Bonnie and the grandchildren and the stops at the Snack Shack in Ashby. Paul and Bonnie were avid dancers.

Paul is survived by his wife, Bonnie; children, Darwin of Fargo, North Dakota, Orvin (Donna) of Elbow Lake, and Kathrine of Chicago, Illinois; grandchildren, Jacob Leis of Cambridge, Alexandra Leis, currently traveling in Southeast Asia, Elizabeth Leis and Jonathan Leis, both of Minneapolis; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Nellie Leis; and his brothers and their wives, Ralph and Edna Leis and Lawrence and Avis Leis.

The funeral service for Paul was held Wednesday, September 26 at Christ Lutheran Church in Elbow Lake with the Rev. Don Wagner officiating. Burial was at Union Cemetery, Elbow Lake.

Arrangements are with the Erickson-Smith Funeral Home in Elbow Lake; www.EricksonSmithFH.com.

A00009B2012SP28

Tags: obituaries

Sign the guestbook

Comments posted on this page do not reflect opinions of Forum Communications Company. Forum Communications Company does not endorse and is not responsible for any statement, opinion, advice given or made. All replies are subject to approval and must follow Forum Communications Company guidelines concerning statements of libel, personal attacks or defamation of character. Replies in the "Talk About It" section that criticize a person by name may not be posted, unless that person is openly involved in a public issue. Comments written in all capital letters or bold print will not be considered for inclusion in the forum.

Terms & Conditions