Gary Leiran
Gary L. Leiran, 80, of Waukon, formerly of Frankville and formerly of Decorah, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at Good Samaritan Society in Waukon. A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, July 23 at 11 a.m. at Zion United Church of Christ in Waukon with Pastor Cathy Jurgens officiating. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery, Waukon. Friends may greet the family from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, July 22 at Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon.
Gary Lee Leiran was born June 23, 1945, in Waukon to Edwin T. and June (Landro) Leiran and graduated from Waukon High School. Growing up, Gary was a pin setter at the Waukon Bowling Alley. He helped his dad at the family-owned gas station as well as helped haul milk on his dad’s route.
July 26, 1964, Gary married his high school sweetheart, Caryl Kostman. They started their life together in Waukon, living in a few other locations until settling in Decorah and eventually rural Frankville. Gary was a member of the Decorah JayCees and IOOF of Decorah. He spent 16 years with the Decorah Fire Department holding various positions, and was also a member of the Frankville Fire Department.
His special interests included golfing, bowling, fishing, dancing at sock hops, riding his motorcycle, and driving his cars, especially his GTOs. Gary was always ready for a card game. He loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, playing Santa at Christmas time and, of course, he enjoyed cooking with a passion and loved making people happy with his cooking.
Gary was a meat cutter at Red Owl in Waukon, on the East Coast in CT, and in Rochester, MN and Iowa City. He was a small business owner of Decorah Wholesale. Gary was co-owner/operator of restaurants including The Lunch Box in Waukon, A&W and Family Table Restaurant in Decorah. He was a supervisor at Kwik Star in Lansing and Carlson’s Asphalt Plant. In his later years, he co-owned/operated The Old Store in Frankville and a small candy route in northeast Iowa.
More recently, Gary and his special friend, Diane (Leiran) Rathbun, enjoyed short day-trip car rides, spending time together and eating out at the local restaurants.
Gary is survived by his children: LeAnn (Brian) Carlson of Cedar Rapids, Garre “Marti” (Angela) Leiran of Frankville, Kelli (Steve) McKee of Harpers Ferry, James (Marife) Leiran of Pella, and Amanda (Darryl) Patmon of San Diego, CA; 19 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; eight brothers and sisters; and many nieces and nephews. Gary was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Caryl; his mother- and father-in-law; his brothers-in-law; and his sisters-in-law.
Special urn bearer is Trevor Howard, a great-grandson. Honorary urn bearers are Gary’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.
