Leslie Marousek Jr.

Leslie Joseph Marousek was born to the late Leslie Joseph Marousek, Sr. and Cecelia Katherine (Oibelka) Marousek in Plant City, Florida, on May 5th, 1926. He passed away at the age of 87 on November 19, 2013, at his home in Atlantic, Iowa.

Les and his wife, Mary Beth, met while in high school in Omaha, Nebraska. They were married on February 15, 1947, at Holy Cross Church in Omaha.

Les enlisted in the Army Air Force while still attending Tech High School in Omaha, Nebraska. He worked as a radio operator and was stationed at Boca Raton, Florida, and in Roswell, New Mexico. While in Roswell Les flew in a plane called the Enola Gay three separate times. Les also met the crew members of the Enola Gay: Paul Tibbets, Tom Ferebee and Theodore "Dutch" Van Kirk. Les took Mary Beth aboard the Enola Gay while he was stationed in Roswell.

Les graduated from the University of Nebraska in Omaha with a degree in business and engineering. Following college, Les and Mary Beth owned a drive-in restaurant in Omaha for three years called The Derby Drive-In. Les then spent the next 37 years working for the DOT as a district land surveyor, starting in Council Bluffs, and then in 1961, he transferred to Atlantic, Iowa, with his family.

Les was an avid golfer. He started as a golf caddy at Elmwood Park in Omaha and was the president of Nishna Hills when it first opened. Les also enjoyed collecting coins and stamps. He was an active member of the SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Atlantic. After retirement, Les could be found spending time at the Upper Cut. He enjoyed visiting with the clients, folding towels, giving the girls a hard time, and counting the money.


Les is survived by his wife, Mary Beth of Atlantic, IA; two children, Laurie (Dave) Knudsen of Atlantic and Dave (Sherrie) Marousek of Cedar Rapids; and grandchildren, Joel (Greta) Farley, Ashley (fiancé Pete) Marousek, Lesley (Matthew and baby) Drogo and Bob Marousek.

Les is preceded in death by his mother and father and brother, Leonard Marousek.

There will be a prayer service at 6:00 p.m., with visitation following until 7:30 p.m. on Friday, November 22, 2013, at SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Atlantic, Iowa.

Mass of Christian burial will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 23, 2013, at SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Atlantic, Iowa. Burial will be a private family service.

Hockenberry Family Care in Atlantic, Iowa, is in charge of the arrangements.