Donald Edward Leider was born on February 01, 1930 to Frederick and Ellen Leider in Wells, Minnesota and died on July 26, 2021 at his home in Markesan, Wisconsin.

Don proudly enlisted in the United States Navy after high school, and after his tour of duty, helped his widowed mother establish her businesses before enrolling at the University of Minnesota. Don met his future wife in Wells, where she had her first job teaching elementary school, transferred to Mankato State University and began his career in the canning industry. Don graduated in 1956 with a BA in Business Administration and Mathematics and married Yvonne Norell in June of that same year.

His career advancements with the Del Monte Corporation included several relocations before the Leider family established firm roots in Markesan, Wisconsin in 1964. Don ultimately became Director of Engineering with Fall River/Friday Canning Company and finished his long career in the industry in 1992, more diligently pursuing his passions for consulting work, golf, bowling, hunting, curio collecting and story-telling about all of those activities.  He greatly enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren and celebrating their life milestones.

He was very proud of the Markesan community, which he served in so many ways, taking his turns as president of the school board, president of the Kiwanis Club, board chairman of the bank and much more. He designed and oversaw construction and commissioning of many significant projects for both vegetable canning plants in town. He served his church and the retirement home and was on numerous committees. He was very proud of his role in establishing the Markesan Historical Society and in helping to create many of the wonderful exhibits in its museum.

Don is preceded in death by his parents, wife Yvonne of 62 years, sister Mary Ellen, and his brother Hugo. He is survived and will be missed by brother Frederick (Jaci), sister Diane (Ron) Feist, sister-in-law Helen and by his three children, Joel (Pam), Nathan (Celeste), and Mary Beth (Brian) Haas; seven grandchildren, Alexandria (Edward), Curtis (Tamara), Barrett, Drew (Salacia), Corinne, Tanner, Trenton; two great grandchildren, Finley and Gavin; and many nieces and nephews.

Please join us for a celebration of Don's life at Soldiers and Sailors Park from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM on Saturday, September 18 .

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations for ongoing care of another of Don's favorite projects, the Grand River Veterans Memorial – c/o Dick Severson N3496 State Rd 73 Markesan, WI 53946 .

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services in Markesan is honored to be serving the family.