Owen L. Lease

Owen L. Lease, 78, of Baxter, passed away with family by his side on Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at Good Samaritan Village – Bethany in Brainerd.

A Celebration of Owen's Life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, June 7, 2021 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Brainerd.  Family and friends are invited to gather Sunday evening from 4-7 p.m. at Nelson - Doran Funeral Home and one hour prior to services at the church on Monday.  Interment with Military Honors will be held at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery at 10 a.m., Tuesday, June 8, 2021.

Owen was born February 6, 1943, in Pequot Lakes, the son of Claude “Bud” and Helen (Olson) Lease.  Owen grew up an “Army Brat” and lived all over the world with his dad and stepmom, Norma.  During his later childhood years, Owen moved in with his mom and stepdad, Lyle in Brainerd.  In 1960, Owen enlisted in the US Army.  He served his country proudly for 22 years, including two tours in Vietnam.  Following his honorable discharge, he returned to the Brainerd Area where he attended Brainerd Technical College for autobody repair. After graduating, he worked for Brainerd Area Used Cars.  He later sold insurance before striking out on his own.  He started a company that specialized in promotional items while also driving school bus for more than 20 years.

To Owen, family was everything.  He was married to Naomi Ebare and they had a daughter, Pam.  In 1973, Owen married Susan Cluever and they were blessed with daughters, Kassandra “Sandy” and Tracy and Owen gained his bonus daughter, Kimberly. He cherished spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren above all. 

Owen was proud to be sober for 50 years and enjoyed the friendships he created in AA.  He was an avid fisherman and often volunteered his skills and time for Camp Confidence. Owen was a staple at the Soup Kitchen and a member of the Legion Riders.  He liked anything sports and was not often willing to give up the remote since there was always a game to watch or Western to rewatch.  He was generous, helpful, and never shy with his time or advice.  His big hugs were felt by so many and will be missed by all.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Susan; daughters, Pam Lease of Norfolk, VA, Kim (Tim) Wood, of Blaine, Sandy (Ben) Houle, of Baxter, and Tracy (Zach) Tretter, of Brainerd; grandchildren, Haley, Trenton, Amaya, Tyler, Chase, George, and Elizabeth; siblings, Jim (Becky Miller) Lease, Pat (Mike) Walker, Clint (Kathy) Deuel, Steve (Becky) Deuel, David (Audrey) Lease, Claudia Nelson, and Becky (Joel) Dvorak; step-dad, Lyle Deuel; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Helen; stepmom, Norma; and brother, Loren.

Owen’s family would appreciate donations to Camp Confidence, Teen Challenge or the Legion Riders.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Owen L. Lease, please visit our floral store.