Contributions to the tribute of Leslie Lee Van Engen

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Tammie Boone posted a condolence

Friday, June 30, 2023

Les was such a happy guy and said hello to everyone. He had a beautiful smile and he will be missed. Condolences to the family. Tammie Boone VNU

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Darcy Espey posted a condolence

Wednesday, June 28, 2023

Les was very nice person darcy

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Dale Van Veldhuizen posted a symbolic gesture

Wednesday, June 28, 2023

Les was one of my favorite people at the Village! We spent many hours together in P.E. class and Special Olympic events. Quite often, Les would stop in our office and say "Sign me up" for the next Special Olympic event even though it was 3 months away. We used to call Les "Mr. Special Olympics". Les was never the best athlete on the team, but he worked very hard and just loved being a teammate. Les and I had the opportunity to attend a couple of Twins games together in Minneapolis. On our drive to Minneapolis, Les didn't say very much unless I asked him a question, but whenever I looked over at him, he had a big smile on this face. He was just excited to see a game and go to Mall of America to buy another baseball cap(even though he had dozens at home). Those were good good times! Hard for me to put into words what Les meant to me but I look forward to seeing him in Heaven! Dale Van Veldhuizen

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Karen Johnson posted a condolence

Wednesday, June 28, 2023

I loved that guy. We had so much fun together grocery shopping and cooking. One time when I had a bad cold Les made hot tea with honey for me. He remembered that I did that for him when he was sick. I especially think of Les this time of the year. He loved being a clown at the Village Celebration and handing out his Bing candy bars. Heaven has gained a really special angel.

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Norma Jean Bosma posted a condolence

Wednesday, June 28, 2023

Les starred joy and concerns for those he knew. He offered to pray when there was a gathering of friends, and staff. He will be remembered with fondness for his kind gestures.

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Barb Tremmel posted a condolence

Tuesday, June 27, 2023

Les's smile was awesome! Loved seeing it everyday he came to NWE (now the Summit). I will miss him always trying to 'tweak' my nose and then laughing about it. Thank you, Les for your smiles and laughter. You were a hard worker and an over all around good guy.

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Bonita Elgersma posted a condolence

Tuesday, June 27, 2023

I had the pleasure of being one of Les's nurses and advocated for him during several of the years he lived at Village Northwest. Les shared his great smile. He would call me "Nita", and tease me and smile and say "I really like you", and I would say it back to him. "I really like you too Les". He would smile from ear to ear. Les shared of his faith of loving our Lord and Savior by saying, "I have Jesus in my heart", and he would point to his chest area over his heart. Les loved his family photos and their visits, he would share of his picture of his farm place that he grew up on and a picture of himself as a young boy, "He would get the giggles and say that was me", as he pointed to the picture. Les loved to look out the House 362 front windows and see the Village Northwest campus than he would say" this is my home". The day I helped his family move him to his retirement home, at Happy Siesta, in Remsen, IA. Les asked me to take his hand as, Les, Sandy K. and I all walked to his next place to call home. Les saw a former Village resident living there too, and they did a "high five", and shook hands and Les said, I like it here", and he likes the Hawkeyes too see his shirt". We helped Les to unpack and he decorated his room in his love for the Iowa Hawkeyes. Les liked a daily can of Pepsi and oh yes a cookie too. As Les health declined he would say, it's ok to come again". "Les may you rest in peace my friend, until we meet again, I will hold fond memories of our time together, in my heart of you." Love, Bonita (De Waay) Elgersma (Nita)

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Liz Kooistra posted a condolence

Tuesday, June 27, 2023

Les always had a contagious smile whenever you saw him - he will be missed! God Bless your family and may He keep you in His loving hands.

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The family of Leslie Lee Van Engen uploaded a photo

Tuesday, June 27, 2023

Leslie Lee "Les" Van Engen

1949 - 2023

Visitation at Main Service

Memorial Service

Final Resting Place

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Leslie Lee "Les" Van Engen

1949 - 2023

Visitation at Main Service

Memorial Service

Final Resting Place

need more information?

contact us

find a service

obituaries

find us

map & Directions

who we are

Sanborn​ Funeral home

Hartley Funeral Home

Map & Directions

Quick links

who
we are

Sanborn
Funeral home