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Leslie Aasheim Obituary
Clive - Leslie (Les) Marion Aasheim, 82, passed away on March 29 in Des Moines, IA. The son of Norwegian immigrants Henry and Ingrid Aasheim, Les was born at home on a farm in Hamilton County, IA and was the youngest of six siblings. He graduated from McCallsburg High School, attended Waldorf College, went on to serve in the U.S. Army and earned his master's in education administration from the University of Northern Iowa. Les worked as a teacher and principal for over 35 years, the last 22 years as principal of Stilwell Jr. High School in West Des Moines. He was especially proud of his work with middle schoolers.
Les married Sharon Schwartz in Ottumwa, Iowa in 1966. The two moved from Iowa Falls to Estherville, to Oelwein and finally to Clive, IA where they have lived in the same home since 1977. Les and Sharon made life-long friends wherever they went and always looked forward to their teacher reunions, one which has met annually for over 40 years. Together they had four children. Les was active in his children's lives and each summer he took the family to their cabin in Minnesota where he taught the kids to fish and water ski.
Les's father instilled in him a deep sense of civic duty. Les was elected to the Clive city council and served as the mayor of Clive from 2001 to 2009. He volunteered for the Clive Lions Club, the Clive Historical Society and Windsor Heights Lutheran Church. He was recognized as Clive Citizen of the Year in 1994 and in 2010 a plaza on the corner of 86th St. and University Blvd. in Clive was named in his honor. Most recently, he beamed with pride whenever he talked about the addition to the church building he helped lead. When Les wasn't working or volunteering, he enjoyed fishing, woodworking, playing cards, making Norwegian lefse, watching the Hawkeyes and traveling and hiking with Sharon.
Les is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sharon; children Tracy (Scott) Gerlach of Cedar Rapids, IA, Eric (Sarah) Aasheim of Belchertown, MA, Michael (Gareth) Aasheim-Osborne of Des Moines, IA, Sherri (Nicholas) Bogue of Johnston, IA; grandchildren Zachary, Brycen, Emma, and Jacob Gerlach, Sabrina and Jesse Aasheim, Andrew and Luke Bogue; brother Harlan (Carol) Aasheim of Mesa, Arizona; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Ingrid Aasheim and siblings Raymond, Helen, Astrid, and Sherman. There will be a private family service and a future public memorial service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Les asked that donations be sent to Clive Historical Society and Windsor Heights Lutheran Church. Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com.
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Memories and Condolences
for Leslie Aasheim
Sponsored by Iles Westover Chapel.
5 Entries
April 7, 2020
Sharon and family So sorry to hear of Les's death. We were so happy we got to visit with you two at reunion. We did go to one of his outings at the Park and got to visit with him. I went to school with him for 11 yrs but I moved to Roland for my senior year. We went to Confirmation class and Sunday School. His Uncle was married to my Uncle. Lots of good memories. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. Dick and Pauline Thomas
April 3, 2020
We have spent many hours with Les and Sharon working on events for Clive Historical Society and in the process have not only come to admire you both, but have also come to know the kind of wonderful people you are. Les has a lifetime of contributions for bettering other people. His time in education touched the lives of many students and sometimes Jim would hear good comments about Les from students who had come to Valley from Stilwell.
When Marilyn was on the board with Les at the Historical Society she would often come home and speak of his level head and tenacity. She NEVER had any negative comments regarding this man who gave many hours to the organization.
Of course, all of Clive knew him as Mayor. He earned the respect and admiration of so many of us, as shown by Aasheim Plaza, which shall testify for generations of how much he gave for the com-munity.
Our prayers are with in this time of loss. May the Lord bless each of you, as He has blessed this patriarch of your family.
Jim and Marilyn Daniel
Jim Mayse
April 3, 2020
Sharon and family,
Words could never contain everything that could be said on behalf of Les Aasheim. In hindsight, I felt blessed for many years since Les and I joined the West Des Moines Community School District in the same year. He was an outstanding leader as an educator, an individual to whom we could always look to for guidance. Obviously, all of his civic activities underscore what a fine man we had with us for many years. He will certainly be missed, and I pray for all of you, knowing that Les will never be forgotten. Jim Mayse
Doug Johnson
April 2, 2020
Sharon & Family:
I can't think of many people I respect more than Les for everything he did for his family, community, his friends and especially his God. He got things done and never said no or that something couldn't be done. Along with that he was such a personal and personable friend to so many of us. There was nothing better than to enjoy a beer with Les, or a cribbage game, or a lively discussion at our weekly WHLC bible study. He was always interested in "you" and not very much about touting himself and he sure could have. One special memory is of Les helping Jan and I learn about Norway before going there. He brought some special insights to us and made sure we got together and discussed the trip. I know we'll all cross over someday and I sure look forward to seeing him there to greet each and everyone of us with that Les Aasheim smile saying "what took you so long?".
Doug & Jan Johnson
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Roger Fligg
April 1, 2020
A long time friend whom we admired has been lost to us. Les was a really great volunteer and a true leader. I enjoyed working with him on the Clive Historical Society board and Myrna and Sharon worked together in the WDM School system. As mayor Les worked tirelessly for our Clive community. He will be missed, but remembered fondly in the best of our memories. What a great friend and inspiration he has been to us. RIP my friend.
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