Leslie “Les” Van Engen, son of Abraham “Abe” and Dorothy (Vogel) Van Engen, was born on July 26, 1949, in Sheldon, Iowa. Growing up, Les lived on the family farm with his parents, and he and his dad enjoyed going to many farm sales.

    In 1982, after his parents had both died, Les moved to Village Northwest Unlimited in Sheldon, Iowa. He loved living and working at the Village for almost forty years. One of his favorite jobs involved traveling to several area towns to collect pop cans. Wherever Les went, he was known for his friendly smile and helpfulness. At the Village, Les played on the volleyball and basketball teams. He also competed in the Special Olympics, where he received many medals and ribbons.

    When he started having health issues in 2021, Les moved to Happy Siesta Nursing Home in Remsen, Iowa. He adjusted well and soon considered it his retirement place. On Monday, June 26, 2023, he passed away there at the age of 73.

    Those left to cherish his memory are his sisters-in-law, Betty Vande Brake of Orange City, Iowa, and Jo (Art) Franken of Sheldon, Iowa, and several nephews and nieces.

    He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Adrian, Dale, and Gerald “Joe”; sister, Verna Jean Van Der Zwaag, and her husband, Jake; sister-in-law Sandy Van Der Zwaag; and brother-in-law Mick Vande Brake.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to

Village Northwest Unlimited.