When Automobiles talk, I'll ride a horse

 Leslie Herman Deman

March 30, 1931 - May 21, 2021

Leslie Herman Deman died peacefully at Elim Care & Rehab Center, in Princeton, Minnesota, with wife, daughter, family friend, and granddaughter by his side on May 21, 2021.

Les was born in Omaha, Nebraska on March 30, 1931. He grew up in Decatur, Nebraska where he graduated from Decatur High School in 1948. After graduation, Les farmed in Decatur with family.  He was joined in Holy Matrimony on November 4, 1951 to Elaine Epling. In 1951, Les began working for Williams Pipeline and was transferred to the Chicago area terminal where he worked until his retirement in 1993.

The family resided in Des Plaines, Illinois where they attended Trinity Lutheran Church. Les loved to spend time with his family and friends, tending to his garden, playing cards, golfing, and walking. He was a Chicago Cubs and Bears fan and continued to cheer for the Nebraska Huskers. Les had a tremendous sense of humor, always smiling, hardworking, and loving life.
The family traveled throughout the United States and upon retirement Les and Elaine visited all 50 states.  In 2001, Les and Elaine moved to Elk River, Minnesota to be closer to their daughter and granddaughter. Les and Elaine made many new friends and attended Central Lutheran Church.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Elaine Deman; daughter, Vicki Aulert; granddaughter, Alison; sister, Betty Bacon; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Anna (Weeces) Deman; sister, Ardith Gill; brothers-in-law, Bud and Butch Epling. A memorial service will take place at a later date at Central Lutheran Church in Elk River, MN.

(Information taken from 50th Alumni Booklet May 1998.  Please send an e-mail to update information at any time.)

Spouse:  Elaine Epling

Children:  Vicki Lee Aulert

Grandchildren:  Alison Lynn Aulert

     Worked for Williams Pipeline for 42 years.  Was Lead man and Lead Operator, Chicago Terminal.  Retired three years ago.  Travels:  All 50 states, but seem to find one state we return to every year.  We have gone to Las Vegas every year for the last twenty-five years.  Of course we do travel to Minnesota quite a bit.  Our daughter and her husband live in Woodbury.  She is a teacher in Hudson, Wisconsin, and her husband is a Computer Architect in St. Paul.  We enjoy having friends come to see us from different parts of the country.

Updated: 4/7/09