Gilbert C. Leslie

Gilbert C. Leslie, 96, of Clinton, passed away, Saturday, August 19, 2023 at his home. Gilbert Clarence Leslie was born on November 19, 1926 in Clinton, Iowa, the son of Marie (Gilbert) and Clarence Leslie. He grew up in Kilburn and Hillsboro, Iowa, returning to Clinton as a teenager. Gilbert graduated from Clinton High School in 1945. He served in the United States Navy during World War II, stationed aboard the USS Shamrock Bay. After the war he attended Clinton Community College and the University of Iowa, graduating in 1950. Gilbert married Madlyn Paulsen in 1947; she was the mother of his five children. He later married Sharon Morthland Grams on October 9, 1968. Gilbert was an insurance agent with John Hancock and Life Investors before starting Leslie Electric in 1965. He was past president of Clinton Jaycees, member of ABC serving and chairing the apprenticeship committee, member of the Beam Club, Builders Club, AMVETS, Clinton Country Club and Slow Spokes. He enjoyed traveling in his motor homes, flying his airplane, riding his moped with the Slow Spokes, golfing and the 19th hole. He enjoyed his weekly card game and watching the Iowa Hawkeyes. Gilbert is survived by his wife: Sharon of 54 years, his children: Kathryn (Rod) Challenger, John Leslie, Mark Leslie, Marsha Broms, Dawn (Tim) Harvey, and Fred Grams; his fur baby: Miss Kitty; nine grandchildren: Jeffrey (Michele) Levy, Tim Mills, Leslie (Scott) Solberg, Michael Leslie, Theresa Krewinski, Alison Grimstead, Jill (Dane) Miller, Kaitlin (Derek) Ebensberger and Jesse James; and 18 great and great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, two step-fathers, sister: Jaqueline Pollard, daughter: Victoria Hickle, granddaughter Cynthia Ellis, grandson: Ryan Grams, one son-in-law; three brother-in-laws, and two sister-in-laws. Private Funeral Services will be held with burial at the St. Mary’s Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Tim Mills, Dylan Solberg, Derek Ebensberger, Patrick Pollard, Jeff Harmon, and Bud Mielkey. The Snell-Zornig Funeral Homes – Clinton is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Mercy Hospice or the Clinton Humane Society.

Gilbert C. Leslie

November 19, 1926 - August 19, 2023