- Date Of Birth: January 28, 1927
- Date Of Death: December 24, 2014
- State: Iowa
Delbert “Del” Leiss, age 87 of Arnold’s Park, died on December 24, 2014 at his home. Delbert (Del) John Leiss, son of Henry and Alvina (Winnie) Schmoker Leiss was born on January 28, 1927 on the family farm in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Delbert was the fifth of eleven children born to Henry and Winnie. He graduated from the Fort Dodge High School in 1945 where he played football and wrestled. The Leiss family enjoyed hosting the Barnum & Bailey circus on the family farm each year. The many hours working on the family farm growing up developed Del’s strong work ethic. Following high school, Del served in the United States Army from 1945 to 1946. Upon returning from the Army Del was employed by the Iowa National Guard. In 1950 Del married Dorothy Dahlquist in Fort Dodge. Del & Dorothy were blessed with 5 children: Mark, Douglas, Doyle, Connie, and Rhonda. The couple moved to the Iowa Great Lakes in 1956. Del was employed as a Field Representative for Mobil Oil. In 1957 Del & Dorothy purchased the Mobil Gas station in Arnolds Park from Bill & Carolyn Stolley. The station was operated until 1965 when a new station was built to include a Lounge. Del’s Mobil and Lounge was a local hangout known for morning coffee, cards, a beer after work, and great memories! Del and Dorothy sold the property in 1988 after 31 years in business. Del’s other business ventures included owning and operating Hackett’s Resort, and for a brief time, a portion of the Arnolds Park Amusement Park. During Del’s time in business he also served on the Arnolds Park City Council, and the Arnolds Park Fire Department. He had the task of being Fire Chief during the Tornado of 1968. In 1977, Del and Dorothy had the great honor of being named the University of Okoboji Homecoming King and Queen. During his retirement years, Del enjoyed time on Emerald Hills Golf Course, where he was a charter member. Del could also be found at many sporting events, cheering on his grandkids. The TV at Dels was always tuned to the Twins games, or Hawkeye Football. Del also had many fond memories of camping, travel, and years of companionship with his special friend, Betty Smith. Del was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Spirit Lake. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 384, Milford, Iowa. Del was preceded in death by his parents, Henry & Winnie Leiss. His wife, Dorothy. Four brothers; Kenneth, Eldo, Dale, and Billy. Three sisters: Delores, Verla, and Colleen. Left to cherish his memory are his children, Mark (Alice) Leiss of Spirit Lake, Doug (Janis) Leiss of Arnolds Park, Doyle (Darlene) Leiss of Spirit Lake and Sioux City, Connie Rice of Milford, Rhonda (Todd) Burgeson of Milford. Sisters; Rosie Denny of Anoka, MN, Gladys Fuller of Fort Dodge, IA, Donna Gartin of Callender, IA. Special friend, Betty Smith of Milford, IA.Grandchildren: Craig (Jody) Ferguson of Johnston, Iowa. Julie (Chad) Mitchell of Reno, NV. Sondra (Marc) Ripperger of Albuquerque, NM. John (Renae) Milller of Seargent Bluff, IA. Tyson Leiss of Okoboji, IA. Jesse (Melissa) Leiss of Milford, IA. Tony Leiss of Spirit Lake, IA. Lona Leiss of Sioux Falls, SD. Kate (Josh) Rinehart of Everly, IA. Nick (Kara) Rice of Milford, IA. Maxwell Burgeson of Milford, IA. Weston Burgeson of Milford, IA. Great Grandchildren include: Nathan & Hanna Ferguson, Kaylyn & Wade Mitchell, Faith & Paige Miller, Talen & Teya Leiss, Sofia ,Grace & Ayla Leiss and Noah Rice. Many nieces and nephews.
