Norman Leiran

Norman Leiran, 94, of Waterville died Wednesday, June 17, 2015 at Good Samaritan Center in Waukon. Funeral services were held Monday, June 22 at East Paint Creek Synod Lutheran Church in rural Waterville, with Rev. Ronald Pederson officiating. Burial with military graveside rites was in the church cemetery.
Harry Norman Leiran was born March 19, 1921 in rural Waterville, the son of Harry Emmert and Nora Clarinda (Busness) Leiran. He was baptized and confirmed at East Paint Creek Synod Lutheran Church in rural Waterville and graduated from Waterville High School in 1939. Norman served in the U.S. Army Air Corps in World War II from 1943 until 1946, with duty in the European, African and Middle Eastern Theaters.
June 8, 1947 he married Elaine Mork in West Union. In his life he farmed in the Monona, Clermont and Gunder areas. He also worked as head cheese maker for the Gunder Cheese Factory. In 1963, they moved to Waterville, where he owned and operated Leiran's Pump Service and helped his father in Leiran's General Store, and he also drove school bus for Waterville School District and did carpentry work.
Norman was a member of East Paint Creek Synod Lutheran Church, Waterville Fire Department, and the VFW Post in Harpers Ferry. He enjoyed coon hunting, ice fishing, playing cards, and spending time with his family.
Survivors include his children: Diane (Kurt) Rathbun, Allen (Connie) Leiran and Gene (Laurel) Leiran, all of Waterville; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; a brother, Richard (Joan) Leiran of Waukon; two sisters-in-law, Marlys Leiran of Waterville and Loraine Weston of West Union; and his faithful dog, Mr. Jigs. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Elaine, who died in 1985; and a brother, Willard Leiran.
Honorary casketbearers were Casey Beisker, Alex and Cari Brink, Brie, Lawrence and Lowell Fenton, Myriah Groth, Aiden, Emery and  Parker Leiran, Alexa, Chad, Madison, Megan and Noel Rathbun, Jeff Mitchell and Herb Dehli. Casketbearers were Allen, Gene, Brandon and Steve Leiran, Kurt Rathbun and Jordan Groth.
Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.