Ronald Lee Leist, 83, was born November 26, 1938, the only child of Forest (Frosty) and Margaret (Battistella) Leist. He passed from this life to be with his Lord on October 7, 2022.

Ron attended East Richland High School graduating with the Class of 1956. He was a member of the band and a member of the football and baseball teams. He excelled as a catcher on the baseball team, earning the nickname “YOGI 2”. He passed his baseball skills to his son Marc and his three grandsons. A cherished possession is a baseball signed by Yogi and given to him by his grandson.

Ron graduated from Eastern Illinois University and then enrolled in Good Samaritan Hospital in the Medical Technology program. During summer breaks from school he worked at Olney A&P and Hurn Lumber Yard.

Ron began his 40 year career in the lab with ten years at Richland Memorial Hospital then one year at St. Joseph Hospital in Huntingburg, Indiana and 29 years as head of the lab at Weber Medical Clinic.

Following his retirement from the lab in 1999, Ron was a vendor for Lewis Baker for 14 years. During this time he also worked for Thrasher Family Funeral Home.

Ron was a member of the United Brethren Church until, in his words, the Methodist swallowed them up. He then became a member of Immanuel United Methodist Church for 46 years where he taught Sunday School, served on several committees and drove the bus. In 1997, he and Janet transferred their membership to Olney First United Methodist Church.

Ron loved his God, his family, fried chicken, bread pudding and popcorn parties. His granddaughter shares his love of popcorn. His family was very important to him and he enjoyed attending his children and grandchildren’s events. He especially looked forward to their many fishing adventures.

Ron is survived by his wife of 60 years, Janet (Bissey) Leist; son Marc Leist (Patty) of Rural Calhoun; daughter Ronda Fleming (Jim) of Darmstadt, Indiana; grandchildren Matt Leist (Megan), Rachel Fulton (Andrew), Brian Fleming, and Jake Leist; great-grandchildren Kason and Kamden Hall and Keely Jo Leist; brother-in-law Norm Bissey; sister-in-law Dena Bissey; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws Doc and Ada Belle Bissey, brother-in-law John Bissey and sister-in-law Connie Bissey.

Visitation will be from 5-7 PM on Tuesday, October 11, 2022 in the chapel of Thrasher Family Funeral Home in Olney. Funeral service will be at 11 AM on Wednesday, October 12, 2022 in the chapel of Thrasher Family Funeral Home in Olney. Cremation rites will be accorded following the service. Pastor Jim Majernik will be officiating.

Thrasher Family Funeral Home, Olney, IL