Leslie Bern

Leslie William Bern, 99, of Gladbrook, died on June 19, 2018 at the Grundy County Memorial Hospital in Grundy Center while under the care of Cedar Valley Hospice. A visitation will be held Friday, June 22, 2018 from 4-6 PM at the French-Hand Funeral Home in Reinbeck. A funeral service will be held the following day, Saturday, June 23, 2018 at 10:30 AM at the Salem Church of Lincoln in Lincoln. Visitation will resume prior to the service at 9:30 AM. Burial will be held at the Reinbeck City Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Reinbeck American Legion Post 242. Memorials may be directed to the family to be donated to a cause of their choosing at a later date. Online condolences may be made at www.abelsfuneralhomes.com

Leslie William Bern was born on February 4, 1919, on a farm one mile east and one mile north of Lincoln, to his parents William and Ella (Dahms) Bern. He graduated from Reinbeck High School in 1936 and helped on his father’s farm and did day labor for his neighbors. Leslie left on January 29, 1942 for the Army, serving during World War II in the South Pacific and returned November 28, 1945, after earning the rank of Staff Sergeant. Leslie was united in marriage to Emma Kubik on June 1, 1946 in Cedar Rapids and he started farming the same year. Leslie was a hard worker and enjoyed woodworking and was a wonderful gardener, sharing his produce with family and friends. He will be greatly missed by many and remembered by all.

Leslie is survived by his daughter Marlis (Larry) Helland of Reinbeck; granddaughter Lisa (Matthew) Peyton of Plymouth, MN; great grandsons William “Liam” and Connor Peyton of Plymouth, MN; sister Viola Vasey of Grundy Center, and many nephews and nieces. Leslie is preceded in death by his wife Emma, brothers Marvin and Elmer, and sister Arlene.