Leons Palevics

September 14, 2017

Service Details

Leons was born December 10, 1927 in Liepaja, Latvia. He passed away on September 14, 2017.

The Palevics family fled Latvia to escape Russian occupation in the fall of 1944. They were refugees in a displaced persons camp in Ohmstede, Germany. During his time in Germany, Leons attended Engineering classes from 1947-1949 and received his certificate in Electromechanics from the British Zonal Trade School. Under sponsorship of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Des Moines, IA his parents and sisters were able to immigrate to the United States in January of 1950. Leons followed six month later at the age of 24.

Leons was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving in Germany from 1953-1955 and obtained corporal rank during this time. Upon completion of his time served, Leons received his citizenship in 1955 and was honorably discharged.

He worked 36 years for the Iowa Department of Revenue and Finance. He began as a computer operator in data processing in 1960 and was promoted through numerous positions including Data Processing Administrator. Leons retired in 1996 and spent much of his time with his family, tending his garden, reading his history books, and socializing with fellow Latvians at events held by the Latvian Society of Iowa. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren grow and looked forward to seeing them as often as possible.

Leons was preceded in death by his parents and sisters. He is survived by his wife, Dzidra; son Leons Palevics Jr; daughter, Astra (Jeff) Pike and their children, Nils and Meta; daughter, Sandra (Ryan) Dostal and their children, Kennedy and Levi; and his daughter, Arija Palevics.

Memorial Services will be held at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines on Wednesday, September 20 at 11:00 am with visitation one hour prior.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Latvian Society of Iowa. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Print