Leslie Walter Jans, 85

Leslie Walter Jans, 85, passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2011, at his home in Kalispell.

Leslie was born May 15, 1926, in Heron Lake, Minn., to Frank H. and Ella (LaMaack) Jans.

After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He served in World War II, then was called back to serve in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean conflict.

He married Helen Kraft on Nov. 7, 1951, at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kalispell.

 Les worked for Korn Buick for 25 years.

He was a devoted member of Trinity Evangelical Church, where he taught Sunday school, was member of the choir, and had helped in numerous other ways.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting, hiking, and golfing with his brother-in-law, Paul Kraft.

Les loved to travel, taking tours with his wife Helen to Germany, New England, Alaska and many other places.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father; and his only sister, Velma Jans Sargent.

He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Helen, of Kalispell; a son, Christopher L. Jans, and wife, Audrey Mack, of Boston; and a daughter, Bridget A., and husband, Jerry Michel, of Helena.

A celebration of Leslie's life will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7, at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church. Interment will follow the service at Trinity Cemetery on Whitefish Stage Road.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.