Leroy T. Zeising

Leroy Thomas Zeising, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on February 24, 2026, at Burgess Health Center in Onawa, Iowa, at the age of 88. Born on September 16, 1937, in Alton, Iowa, he was the son of Paul A. and Leona C. (Schluetter) Zeising. A graduate of Central High School in Sioux City in 1955, Leroy attended Morningside College before serving in the United States Marines from 1956 to 1958 as an air traffic controller. He continued his service in the Marine Reserves until 1962.

On September 1, 1962, Leroy married June Herdliska at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Together they raised two children, Troy and Stephanie. Leroy worked as an ironworker before joining Armour Oil Company, where he helped establish automotive departments across the country. He later managed the automotive department at Bellas Hess in Sioux City. After the store closed, he continued operating the gas station and offered Ryder truck rentals, remaining an active part of the local business community.

A steadfast husband to June and a loving father, Leroy created a rich family life filled with simple joys. He tended a large vegetable garden and fruit trees, growing notably large raspberries, and shared his love of the outdoors through boating, fishing, and teaching his children to water ski. He built a playhouse and treehouse for them, refinished a piano for their music lessons, and was always the first to clear snow with his truck equipped with a blade. A lifelong sports enthusiast, particularly of baseball, his athletic path was altered by a hunting accident that prevented him from attending the Kansas City Athletics training camp.

Leroy was a proud member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, participated in Republican Party activities, bowled in a league, and cherished weekly card games with friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Ken and Robert. He is survived by his wife, June; son Troy Zeising and his wife Becky; daughter Stephanie Zeising; and his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Ashley Hildreth and husband Dusty and their children Rhett and Isla Mae; Garrett Zeising and wife Alex and their children Lauren and Oliver; Dave Kucera and wife Ashley Burnett and their son Quinton; Tim Kucera; Molly Markey and husband Alan and their children Rogan and Wayne; Kayla Meersman and husband Michael and their children Harrison and Marigold; Alexander Balke and wife Carlyn Haas; and Breanna Balke. He is also survived by his sister Carole Hennings and her husband Don.