Leyse, Donald Edward

Donald Edward Leyse, 77, of Cedar Rapids, died at home Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2012. Services: 10 a.m. Saturday at Concordia Lutheran Church by the Rev. Dean Rothchild. Interment: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery with military honors. A visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Cedar Memorial Westside Chapel and after 9 a.m. Saturday at the church. Cedar Memorial Westside Chapel is entrusted with arrangements.

Don is survived by children, Kevin (Tammy) Leyse of Cedar Rapids, Krista (Jeff) Holland of Decorah, Kerri (Marty) Striegel of Cedar Rapids, and Kelly (Kara) Leyse of Marion; grandchildren, Shawn, Nick, Heidi (Brandon), Tiffany, Brad, Mike, Damon (Elizabeth), Justin (Katie), Benjamin, Mitchell, Brent (Dana), Andrew, Amber and Madalyn; 15 great grandchildren; and his cat, Bree.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife, Shirley.

Don was born March 2, 1934, in Waukon, to Helmer and Myrtle Leyse. He married Shirley Solem on Sept. 3, 1955, in Cedar Rapids. Donald was employed at Penick and Ford for over 41 years, retiring in 1996. Don was an Army veteran of the Korean conflict. He was a member of Concordia Lutheran Church, the Moose Lodge, Eagles and Lasso E Camper Club. He especially liked spending time with his family and camping with his wife and friends in the camping club.

The family would like to thank the staff at Hospice of Mercy and Home Choice Caregivers.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Online condolences may be sent to .

Published in The Gazette Jan. 5, 2012.