Lester "Les" G. Zietz, 87, Underwood, ND died December 11, 2018 at the Benedictine Living Center, Garrison, ND after a 6 ½ year battle with multiple myeloma. Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, December, 15, 2018 at St. John's Lutheran Church, Underwood. Interment will be held in the Coleharbor Cemetery. Visitation will held from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM Friday and one hour prior to the service on Saturday all at the church in Underwood.

Les "Ike" was born March 28, 1931 on a farm near Lansford, ND, the son of Ben & Bertha (Spitzak) Zietz. He was raised and educated with his 12 siblings near Lansford and graduated from Lansford High School. Les cherished his time with his family on the farm until enlisting in the US Army. He served in Korea as a Sergeant, attended culinary training, and was an Army Chef until he was honorably discharged in 1954. Les married his precious wife, Lenore Benton in Minot, ND on March 17, 1956. Following their marriage, they lived in Minot and Burlington. Les was a hard worker, working for Harmon Tompkin Coal Company where he shoveled coal cars. He worked various jobs until moving to Underwood in 1963 and began his 37 year career with MDU, starting in the meter refurbishing shop and later became a district representative, serving the Underwood, Riverdale, and Turtle Lake area. Following his retirement from MDU in 1993, he dearly cherished any time with his family, cooking big Sunday breakfasts and dinners followed by a game or two of whist. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, especially gardening, sharing the fruits of his labor. He often marveled at the growing process of his plants and how God could make flowers so colorful. He was also a dedicated sports fan attending his grandchildren's sporting events and receiving the Underwood High School honorary "U" award in 2016. Watching the Minnesota Twins was also something he loved, along with following his nephew's baseball games near Minot. Les was a pioneer EMT for the Underwood Fire and Rescue and was a member for 23 years. He was a Boy Scout leader, a city commissioner and a member of the Civic Club. He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church where he served as an elder.

Les' love of Jesus was important to him, making sure to teach his family. Les was loved and he loved deeply, always making sure everyone knew they were "dandy" and felt like his favorite. He always had a loud "Hello" upon seeing any of them.

He is survived by his wife, Lenore of Underwood; his sons, Brian (Tricia) Zietz of Marion, MT, Bob (Deitta) Zietz of Underwood, Barry (Emily) Zietz of Underwood, Blaine Zietz (Beth Schwarz) of Parshall, ND; his daughters, Brenda (Lloyd) Hultberg of Bismarck, Bonnie (Terry) Landenberger of Bismarck, Becki (Fred) Wilson of Underwood; 28 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; his sister, Fern (Ed) Bradway of Ridgecrest, CA and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by, his parents; one son, Brent; 2 grandsons: Beau Zietz and Jason Zietz; a granddaughter, Jessica Zietz and a great granddaughter, Melody Zietz and daughter-in-law: Audrey Zietz; 5 sisters and 6 brothers.