Leland “Lee” Merle Aalfs, 71

Leland “Lee” Merle Aalfs, age 71, of Parkersburg, Iowa, was born the son of Lawrence “Sonny” Henry and Margaret Anita (Alter) Aalfs on March 27, 1953, in Grundy Center, Iowa.  In 1971, Lee graduated from Wellsburg High School in Wellsburg, Iowa.

In 1971, Lee married Jo Graham.  They made their home in Parkersburg and were blessed with two daughters, Melissa and Miekka.  The couple later divorced.

On January 15, 2005, Lee was united in marriage with Kathy Buss Miller.  After their marriage, the couple lived in Parkersburg.  Lee worked at Plastronics in Grundy Center and later at John Deere in Waterloo.  For a short time, Lee owned Tooters in Parkersburg.  Lee retired from John Deere in 2013, after 42 years of service, most of that time working in the foundry.  

Lee was a member of the John Deere UAW Local 838.  He loved music, fishing, boating and spending weekends at his trailer on the Mississippi River.  He also enjoyed cruising around Parkersburg in his golf cart.  Lee was an easy-going and funny person.  Lee had a special bond with his grandson, Lennox and loved taking him down to the Beaver Dam to look for fish.  He loved spending time with his family, grandchildren, and especially his daughters.

Lee died surrounded by the people who loved him the most on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at Unity Point Health – Allen Hospital in Waterloo, Iowa, of natural causes.  Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Margaret Aalfs; and a brother, Lowell Aalfs.

Lee is survived by his wife of 20 years, Kathy; two daughters,  Melissa Aalfs of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Miekka Aalfs of Aplington, Iowa; one grandchild, Lennox Aalfs; three step-children, Stacy Miller of Waterloo; Jamie (Paige) Miller of Cedar Falls, Iowa, and Jonny Miller of Parkersburg, and six step-grandchildren, Jordan, Estelle, Evelyn, Waylon, Harlyn and Abe: a brother, Loren (Deb) Aalfs of Cedar Falls; two nephews, Tyler and Quinn Aalfs; and many brother and sisters-in-law. 

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at Bethel Lutheran Church, in Parkersburg, Iowa.  Pastor Kevin Arndt officiated the service.  Organist was Janet Mennen, and she accompanied the congregation as they sang “How Great Thou Art”, “Old Rugged Cross” and “Blessed Be The Tie That Binds”. Special music played was “I’ll See You Again”. Burial was held at Oak Hill Cemetery in Parkersburg, Iowa.

Visitation was held one hour before services at the church.  Memorials may be directed to the family.  Online condolences may be left at www.redmanfuneral.com