Leslie David DeRaad, Jr., 59, Kasson

Greatly beloved Leslie David DeRaad, Jr., age 59, took his last breath on Oct. 4, 2021. After a year’s battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis, he said goodbye to his family and friends in the comfort of his own home. He was surrounded by people who loved him and remembered him fondly.

It all started on Jan. 18, 1962, in St. Paul, Minnesota. Les was born to Leslie DeRaad, Sr. and Manuella Diaz DeRaad. They later moved to Geneva, and then moved to Dodge Center in 1976.

Les met the love of his life, Allison Cain, in the 8th grade. They married in 1985 and have spent the last 36 years building a marriage of much love, laughter, travel adventures, and holding hands.

He didn’t live long enough to really decide what he wanted to do when he grew up, but he knew he wanted to be a good person and leave a legacy of goodness and kindness — serving others, just because it was the right thing to do, whether they “deserved it” or not.

He held a variety of jobs over the years; Les spent 20+ years managing the Kasson American Legion and most recently worked at Hardware Hank in Kasson, allowing him to continue helping people in the community — which was always his goal.

Les was known as husband, father, brother, son, Boppy, friend, Bartender Les, BTL Good Guy, and Uncle Tiger.

Les proudly served in the United States Army Reserves from 1984-1990.

Les was preceded in death by his mother, Minnie; nephew Andrew; half-sister Dawn; father-in-law Grayston Cain; and a number of cousins, aunts, and uncles.

Survivors include his sunshine, Allison; daughters Holland (Dylan) Harris of Kasson and Hailley of Sebeka; grandchildren “Little Man” Vinton Harris and “Baby Girl” Valyn Harris. Les was proud of his family, especially his children and his very beloved grandchildren.

Other survivors include his father, Les Sr.; baby brother Lorne DeRaad; sisters Lorette DeRaad and Lynn DeRaad; mother-in-law Jackie Cain; brother-in-law Tim (Shari) Cain; his nieces and nephews, Shian, Gareth, Justin, Steven, Nicholas, Lauren; many cousins and a village of incredible humans who called him brother.

A celebration of life was held in honor of Les on Friday, Oct. 8, 2021 at the Dodge County Fairgrounds.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the family so they can disperse as Les requested.

Dibble Funeral Home & Cremation Services — Kasson assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.dibblefuneralhome.com.