Leslie Raymond Just

Leslie Raymond Just finished the race and received the victory crown of eternal life in heaven on Sunday, May 17, 2015 at the age of 90 while living at Kettle Moraine Gardens in Kewaskum, Wisconsin. During his three weeks there, he received loving care from CNA Amy Schultz who also spoiled "grandpa" during his last seven months when he and his wife Ruth lived in West Bend, Wi. Leslie, the youngest of seven children of Emil and Marie (Plath) Just, was born on December 11, 1924. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church in Wood Lake, Minnesota. He graduated from Wood Lake High School in 1942. He farmed with his father until 1947. On May 26, 1946 he married Ruth Hinz also of Wood Lake. They moved to Franklin, Minnesota, in 1947 where Les worked at his brother Harold's hatchery. When Japanese came to the hatchery to sex chickens, Les took an interest in that work and spent four months at a hatchery in Northfield, MN. He was taught the "Art of Poultry Sexor." He then worked with the Japanese at hatcheries in Minnesota, Iowa, as well as in North and South Dakota. During this time, Les and Ruth together with their three children moved to New Ulm, Minnesota, in 1955. Les continued his travels putting on about 50,000 miles during the sexing season (February-June). During the off season, Les sold appliances at Ulrich Electric and sold various types of insurances. In 1966, Les moved his family to Atwater, Minnesota where he worked with turkeys instead of chickens at the hatchery in Willmar. Willmar is also where his family was involved in starting a WELS mission church. His daughter Nancy's wedding was the first one in the new church building in June 1970. Shortly after that Les moved his family to Detroit Lakes where he worked sexing turkeys at hatcheries in that area. They became members at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Audubon, Minnesota. Les's church involvement included being on the ELS Synod mission board for fourteen years. He enjoyed visiting many mission churches in Florida, Arizona, and Texas. He held many church council offices at Immanuel over the years. His greatest pride can be seen in the stain glass windows at his church. He and former Pastor Doepel made them at a class in Fargo, North Dakota over a two year period. Les's community involvement included the Lions' Club, a volunteer at Emmanuel Nursing home, and a volunteer at the Holmes Community Center Theater. He went to the local communities and resorts delivering posters telling about the shows coming to the new theater. At show time, Les served as one of the ushers. He enjoyed his "job" so much that he promoted being a volunteer at the Center during a TV interview. Les was also known for his fishing and golfing skills. He spent many years trying to perfect them. Les and Ruth were blessed with three children: Nancy (James) Haferman of West Bend, WI, Michael (Michele) of Red Wing, MN, and Ritchie (Susan) of Detroit Lakes. They have six grandchildren: Paul (Paula), Philip (Ashley), Peter-fiancé Jaime, and Penny (Seth Bergerud) Haferman of Wisconsin and Kevin (Miranda) and Jennifer (Sudenga) Just of Minneapolis. They also have eight great-grandsons and one great granddaughter. Living yet are one brother Vernon, Tripp, SD, and one sister, Elvera, McIntosh, MN. Living also are his wife's sisters Grace Lutterman, Belview, MN, and Ella Bundy, Richfield, MN. Preceding Les in death were two brothers, Harold and baby Arnold and two sisters, Leona and Alice. Les is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Memorials are appreciated for Evangelical Lutheran Synod mission work.