Leland "Lee" Russell Rients

Leland "Lee" R. Rients, age 84, of Willmar passed away Thursday evening, December 12, at Bethesda Grand following a brief illness.

A celebration of life service will be held later in the spring/summer of 2025. Arrangements are entrusted to Peterson Brothers Funeral Home. www.petersonbrothers.com

Leland Russell Rients was born on May 16, 1940, near Heron Lake, Minnesota, the son of Henry and Helen (Wilson) Rients. He grew up on a farm near Sioux Valley, graduated from Sioux Valley High School in 1958 and attended barber school. From 1963 to 1965, Lee served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in France. Following the service, Lee attended St. Cloud State University and earned a BS degree in Elementary Education. In 1972, Lee began his teaching career with the Willmar School District. He taught at the Lincoln and Kennedy Elementary schools and retired in 1999. During his retirement, Lee continued to work part time as a barber.

Throughout his life, Lee was an avid racquetball and pickleball player. Lee and Deb enjoyed traveling, especially cruises in the Caribbean. He also enjoyed line dancing and barefoot waterskiing. Lee always cherished being with his friends and family.

Lee was a member of the American Legion Post and the Fraternal Order of Eagle’s.

He is survived by his lifelong companion of over 30 years, Deb Ditmarson of Willmar; two sons, Kirby Rients of Tampa, FL., and Kevin Rients of Nisswa; and three grandsons, Grayson, Xander and Quincy. Also surviving are three sisters, Dorothy Hamman of Worthington, Judy Selberg of Worthington and Arlene Schwarzenbach of Cedar Falls, IA., besides other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Richard.