Leslie Allen Van Dolah, 92, of Oquawka, Illinois, died peacefully at home on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 8:04 a.m.
Leslie was born January 4, 1933, in Illinois City, Illinois, the son of Marlyn Henry and Virginia Bernice (Shoemaker) Van Dolah. Leslie first married June R. Kershenske; they had one son. He then married Ruby L. Hedger, and they had four children. On April 26, 1980, Leslie married Mary Michelle Thomas in Oquawka, Illinois. They enjoyed 37 years of marriage until her death on July 17, 2017.
Leslie is survived by two sons, William Van Dolah of Aledo, Illinois, and Ernest Eugene Van Dolah of Oquawka; and a stepson, Bud Stanley of Burlington, Iowa; a brother, Vern Van Dolah of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and one sister, Linda (Ron) Peterson of Macon, Missouri. Leslie is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Along with his parents and wife, Leslie was preceded in death by two sons, Michael Van Dolah in 1994 and Kacey Van Dolah in 2007; two daughters, Audra Rickey in 1995 and Gail Reynolds in 2014; and four grandchildren, Timothy, Kayla, Talisa, and Jerrad.
Leslie dedicated many miles as an over-the-road truck driver, working for over 52 years prior to retiring. After retirement he drove for local farmers during harvest. In his free time he loved to play his guitar, ride his Harley Davidson, and his Z-71 Chevrolet truck.
Visitation will be 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Oquawka, with funeral services following at 2 p.m. Pastor Betty Moede will officiate. Burial will be in Oquawka Cemetery, Oquawka, Illinois. A potluck luncheon will follow burial at Faith Bible Church in Oquawka. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family or OSF Hospice. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
