Leo Gust Peltz

Leo was born in Blue Grass, North Dakota, on January 6, 1926, the son of Robert and Rose (Stauss) Peltz. He was the second youngest of 8 children.  He grew up helping on the farm under the close supervision of his older brothers and sisters.  Leo proudly served his country in the Navy during World War II, achieving the rank of Petty Officer II.  Using the GI Bill, he attended college in California and graduated with an accounting degree.  After college, he leveraged his experience in the Navy and joined Honeywell, overseeing and maintaining radar equipment for their Navy contract. His job took him to a variety of locations, including Greenland and inspired a love for travel. 

On one visit home to North Dakota, he was set up on a blind date with a local school teacher, Elaine Opp, who captured his heart.  They dated long distance, talking every Saturday evening. On July 1, 1956, Leo married Elaine from Morton County, North Dakota in a double wedding ceremony with Erna (Peltz) and Mel Johnson at the First Baptist Church in Hebron.  After honeymooning and sightseeing at Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, they relocated to Hayward, California.  He lived in numerous states and cities over the years, settling for over forty years in Florida.  While in Florida, he attended Liberty Seminary, and then joined Bean Dredging Corporation as the ship’s electrical engineer.  He enjoyed his time at sea, traveling throughout the US and South America.  He especially enjoyed crossing the Panama Canal.

Leo was a friend to all and brought out the best in people.  His warm and generous heart was a source of comfort to the many who loved him.  He was very proud to be seen wearing his WW II Veteran 1941-1945 hat everywhere and reflected on the values of purpose and teamwork he learned during his time of service. In his spare time, Leo’s hobbies included collecting coins and tracing the family’s genealogy.

His close connection with his grandchildren during the last decade of his life brought immense joy to “Papa Leo”.  For him, life wasn’t complicated.  He enjoyed watching TV (especially “What’s My Line”), playing Uno (he always won), and laughing with the boys, while sharing a wonderful meal – and frequently slipping a treat to the family dog Duke who never left his side. 

Leo was a spiritual person and his faith brought him peace and comfort as he approached the final days of his life. Leo Peltz, age 96, died on March 7, 2022 at Faith Presbyterian Hospice in Dallas, Texas surrounded by family.

Leo is survived by his daughter Debbie (Brett) Rheder of Dallas, Texas; two grandchildren – Jack and Luke Rheder of Dallas, Texas; a sister  Mildred (Gil) Meroney; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his wife Elaine, daughter Sandra,  son Bruce, parents Rose (Stauss) and Robert, sisters Erna (Mel) Johnson and Hertha (John) Mindt, brothers William (Emma Rueb), Richard (Lyla Huber), Robert (Elsie Horn), and Art.  He will be dearly missed by all who know and loved him.  Family visitation will be held on Friday, April 1 at 7:00 pm at The Cornerstone Ministry, located at 117 South Main Street in Glen Ullin. 

Funeral Services will be 11:00 am Saturday April 2, 2022, at the Bethel Assembly of God Church.    Military Honors to follow with interment at Gen Ullin Cemetery.