"So sad to hear of your passing. I had so many great times at the Fireside. I'll never forget our song we'd sing.. "Sweet Child of Mine" You were a very kind man and I'll never forget you. Rest easy, Randy. "
In loving memory of
Ronald "Randy" James Leiss
August 22, 1947 - January 28, 2022
Ronald James Leiss, 74 of Fort Dodge died Friday, January 28, 2022 at the Paula J. Baber Hospice Home.
Memorial services will be 12:30 PM Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church with Rev. Jerry Raether officiating. A visitation will be 4:00 to 7:00 PM Tuesday at Laufersweiler Funeral Home.
Ronald is survived by his wife Connie Tyrrell-Leiss, siblings Barbara Freed of Gilbert, AZ, Thomas (Kay) Leiss of Omaha, NE and Timothy (Sandy) Leiss of Fremont, NE.
He was preceded by his parents Robert J. and Elizabeth (Stiles) Fridholm, wife Roxanne (Wendell) Leiss, stepmother, Charlotte Leiss and stepfather Richard Fridholm.
Ronald "Randy" James Leiss was born August 22, 1947 in Fort Dodge. He graduated from Saint Edmond High School in 1965. He then attended ICCC and Buena Vista University. While in college he worked at the YMCA and coached Little League baseball. After graduation, he taught History and Physical Education and coached boys basketball, baseball, cross country and track at St. Mary's High School in Storm Lake for a couple of years. He also owned and operated Randy's Fireside Lounge in Fort Dodge from 1980 until 1989. His annual pig roasts at the bar were a hit with the customers. Randy also worked for the Iowa Department of Human Services for over 20 years, retiring in 2007. On July 1, 2010 he was united in marriage to Connie Tyrrell. Randy was an avid Yankees and Iowa Hawkeyes fan. He loved his kittens and cats and could always be found hanging out in his garage listening to music and watching baseball.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left to family discretion.
Tributes
"Connie ? our sincere condolences on Randy?s passing. Prayers of comfort for you Kent and Diane (Udermann) McClurg Gainesville Texas "
"Prayers for the family.Randy was such an awesome guy,I remember him at Randys Fireside"
"Randy was truly one of the "good guys". Prayers for all."
"My sympathy and prayers to the family of a great guy. As high schoolers, we never knew he had the nickname Randy. He was always "Coach Leiss" to us. I was a member of the varsity cross country team he coached at Storm Lake St. Mary's in 1971. He led us to a conference title and 4th place finish at the state meet. I will always remember the fun we had traveling to meets, the six of us in his new red Chevy Impala, listening to 60's and 70's tunes on the radio. He made CC and track fun. He also coached my sophomore basketball team and pushed us hard to get the best out of us. I was from Nebraska originally, so Coach Leiss and I often engaged in friendly banter about Nebraska and Iowa football. Rest in peace, coach."
" Connie and family..so sorry for your loss. Keep the memories close to your heart!"
"We are saddened to hear of Randy?s passing. His kindness and humor will always be with us. Such a loss for our whole family. Ed & Mary Stiles Laguna Woods, Ca."
"My deepest condolences to the entire Leiss family. Randy was a great guy!"