Obituary for Leslie (Les) Dean Vanderpluym

Leslie Dean “Les” Vanderpluym, 60, passed away on June 29, 2026. He was born on March 31, 1966, in Creston, Iowa.

Les lived a life defined by hard work, loyalty, and an unwavering love for his family. He met the love of his life, Deana Welcher, while they were both working at Bunn-O-Matic. Their relationship blossomed into a marriage filled with love, laughter, and countless memories. Together they built a life centered around family, always opening their hearts and home to those they loved.

Throughout his life, Les took pride in providing for his family. He worked at Bunn-O-Matic before moving on to T&S Industries and later dedicated 14 years of service to Iowa Select Farms. He was known as someone who never shied away from hard work and was always willing to lend a helping hand.

When he wasn’t working, Les was happiest in the garage. He had a true talent for working on cars and small engines, and there wasn’t much he couldn’t fix. He loved the excitement of demolition derbies and enjoyed spending time around anything with an engine. But of all the things he loved, nothing compared to being a husband, dad, and Grandpa.

His grandchildren were the center of his world. Whether it was buying them something special, spoiling them just because he could, or simply spending time making memories together, Les found his greatest joy in seeing them smile. He never hesitated to spend both his time and his money on the people he loved most.

Les was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert “Dean” Vanderpluym and Wilma (Abell) Vanderpluym; his sister, Larita Vanderpluym; his parents-in-law, Delbert and Naomi Welcher; and his brothers-in-law, Dwight Welcher and Robert Rowe.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Deana Welcher-Vanderpluym; his children, Tabitha and Brandon Alderson, Gregory and Marela Welcher, Chancy Vanderpluym, Amanda Zabokrtsky, Derek and Minnie Kohl, and Casey Bird.

He is also survived by his siblings, Loni and Rose Vanderpluym, Lucinda and Roy Butcher, Larry Vanderpluym, Laurel and Denny Gross, Lyle and Ambrose Robello, Lucas and Donna Vanderpluym, Denise Rowe, Dora and Charles Atteberry, Danny and Judy Welcher, Dwayne Welcher, and Dorothy Welcher.

His legacy continues through his beloved grandchildren: Amriel, Arelle, and Ezekiel Alderson; Jaxson Martin; Lily Vanderpluym; Kaycee and Jaxs Zabokrtsky; and Trinity and Kindall Kohl.

Les will be remembered for his quick willingness to help others, his mechanical talents, his love of fast cars and demolition derbies, his hardworking spirit, and most importantly, the immense love he had for his family. He leaves behind a lifetime of cherished memories, laughter, and lessons that will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 4, 2026 in Thayer, IA. Family and friends are invited to gather, share stories, laugh, cry, and honor the life of a man who loved deeply and was deeply loved in return.

Although our hearts are broken, we find comfort knowing that love never dies. Les’s legacy will continue through the family he adored and the countless lives he touched. He will be forever missed, forever loved, and forever remembered.