Leslie "Les" R. Paustian

Leslie “Les” R. Paustian, 88, of Davenport, IA passed on March 20, 2025, at Harmony Utica Ridge. Funeral services will be held Friday, March 28, 2025, at 4pm at Weerts Funeral Home with a visitation starting at 2pm. Per his wishes, cremation rites will be accorded and he will be laid to rest at Davenport Memorial Park at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Dixon Memorial Park, Dixon American Legion, or Dixon Volunteer Fire Department. Online condolences and fond memories may be expressed at www.weertsfh.com.

Les was born on June 1, 1936, in Durant, IA to parents Fredericka (Dietz) and Harvey Paustian. He graduated from Durant High School and served in the Marines from 1954 to 1957. Upon returning home, Les went on to become a farmer. He worked for Dixon Co-op for many years as a grain elevator operator and later became a manager. Les retired from River Valley Co-op as the Donahue location manager in 1998. Although he retired, he continued to farm for many years and spent lots of time assisting with his son’s farm. On March 7, 1959, Les married Betty Arp. Together, they had 2 sons and spent 66 wonderful years in each other’s company. Les and Betty enjoyed golfing and taking annual trips to Biloxi, MS with their friends, the Steffens. Each year, they brought back fresh shrimp from the gulf. Les loved to spend time camping, fishing, playing cards and dominos, putting together puzzles, and visiting casinos with family and friends. He also played softball in the Old Timers League at Dixon Memorial Park.

Those left to honor Les include his wife, Betty; sons, Dean (Randi) Paustian, Dale (Robyn) Paustian; grandchildren, Tanner, Ryan, Rachel (Payton), Sam, Jake, Luke, Leigh Anne, Timothy (Allison), Meagan (Dion); 9 great-grandchildren with another coming in September; sister, Janet Feuerbach, and many nieces and nephews.

Les was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Ronald; sister, Sandra, and granddaughter, Katie.

Above all, family was most important to him! Les and Betty spent many hours with their grandchildren playing board games and attending school and sport activities. They love and are proud of each and every one of them!