Leslie Allen Van Dolah, 92, of Oquawka, Illinois, died peacefully at home, on Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 8:04 a.m.
Leslie was born January 4, 1933 in Illinois City, Illinois, the son of Marlyn Henry and Vriginia Bernice (Shoemaker) VanDolah. Leslie first married June R. Kershenske, they had one son; he then married Ruby L. Hedger and they had four children. On April 26, 1980, Leslie married Mary Michelle Thomas in Oquawka, Illinois. They enjoyed 37 years of marriage until her death on July 17, 2017.
Leslie is survived by two sons, William VanDolah of Aledo, Illinois and Ernest Eugene VanDolah of Oquawka, and a stepson, Bud Stanley of Burlington, Iowa; a brother, Vern VanDolah of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and one sister, Linda (Ron) Peterson of Macon, Missouri. Leslie is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren. Along with his parents and wife, Leslie was preceded in death by two sons, Michael VanDolah in 1994 and Kacey VanDolah in 2007; two daughters, Audra Rickey in 1995 and Gail Reynolds in 2014; and four grandchildren, Timothy, Kayla, Talisa, and Jerrad.
Lelsie dedicated many miles as an over-the-road truck driver, working for over 52 years prior to retiring. After retirement he drove for local farmers during harvest. In his free time he loved to play his guitar, ride his Harley Davidson, and his Z-71 Chevrolet truck.
Visitation will be 1:00 p m. to 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Oquawka with funeral services following at 2:00 p.m. Pastor Betty Moede will officiate. Burial will be in Oquawka Cemetery, Oquawka, Illinois. A potluck luncheon will follow burial at Faith Bible Church in Oquawka. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family or OSF Hospice. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
