Leland “Lee” Currier passed away on Wednesday, December 30, 2020, at Lakes Regional Healthcare in Spirit Lake.
Leland Gail Currier was born to Gilbert Arnold and Lois Auline (Ducharme) Currier in Bellingham, Washinton, on August 25, 1934. He graduated from Spirit Lake High School in 1952 and enlisted in the US Navy. He served his country for 4 years during the Korean War aboard the USS Oriskany. After an honorable discharge, he returned home and attended barber school in Sioux City. Lee owned and operated Lee’s Barber Shop in downtown Spirit Lake for 61 years, where he not only cut hair but was able to share tidbits of Lakes area history, local folklore and happenings about the town. In 1961, Lee met the love of his life, Beatrice “Bea” Ann Wills. They wed in Minneapolis on July 28, 1962. To this union Ty and twins Troy and Tara were born.
Lee was a member of Ducks Unlimited and the National Ski Patrolman Association. When time allowed, he enjoyed the great outdoors, sailing and boating on Big Spirit, hunting, fishing, and snow skiing. He also found great enjoyment in his golden retrievers, creating wood carved decoys, and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Minnesota Vikings. In his younger days, he was a man of great adventure, flying his Piper Cub over his most loved places, photographing and filming the landscape with his Bell and Howell 8mm movie camera. A highlight of his life was making the trip to Washington, D.C., escorted by his grandson, on the Midwest Honor Flight in May of 2019.
He is survived by his wife Bea Currier of Spirit Lake, IA; children Ty (Karen) Currier of Spirit Lake, IA; Dr. Troy (Linda) Currier of Dennison, IA; and Tara (Gene) Hofer of Bridgewater, SD; grandchildren Nickolas, Carson, Tanner Hofer, and Jenna Currier; brother Robert (Sylvia) Currier of FL; and sister Mardi Currier of Spencer, IA; brother-in-law Harold (Marlene) Wills; Sister-in-law Barb Wills.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law Larry Wills.
Per Lee’s wishes, there will be no services held. The Schuchert-Lentz Funeral Home in Spirit Lake is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.spiritlakefuneralhome.com.
Memorials can be directed to support a veteran on a Midwest Honor Flight.