Nelson Richard Leist of Cincinnati, OH passed away July 16, 2023, at the age of 92. Son of the late Nelson F. and Mildred Leist. Beloved husband for 68 years of the late Ramona (Russe) Leist. Brother to Ann Bushweit. Loving Father of Jeff (Susan), Scott (Pam) and Greg (Lee) Leist. Grandfather to Jeni (Eric) Wengryniuk, Eric (Gretchen), Kevin, Kristin (Anton) Kusy, Katie (Andrew) O'Bryan and Josh (Kenzy Blanton). Great Grandfather to Logan, Bennett, Olivia, A.J. and Kiera. Cherished by nieces, nephews, and their families.

Dick grew up in Cleveland where he demonstrated a tremendous work ethic from a very young age. He always had a job of some kind and often more than one at the same time. His work ethic carried on for the rest of his life. He had a paper route, sold magazines, was a lifeguard and did general factory work. He did co-op work with General Electric. He taught a class in Descriptive Geometry at UC while he was still a student.

While at the University of Cincinnati, Dick joined Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. He was also part of the ROTC program. It was at a Fraternity-Sorority Sunday Tea Party where he met Ramona, and they were married in 1953. He was awarded Gold Chapter membership of PKA in 2000 after 50 years of membership.

Dick served the US Army as a First Lieutenant in the Ordinance Corps in Huntsville, AL . He served at the Redstone Arsenal and worked with Dr. von Braun on Rocket Propulsion. (The early beginnings of what became NASA.) This work led to a long career at NLO and NLI in Fernald, OH. He started from humble beginnings in product extraction, eventually became the Director of Engineering, and finished as the Group Director of Technical Services.

Dick has a long list of academic and professional honors. He graduated from UC with a degree in Chemical Engineering in June 1954. He attended Chase Law School where he earned his Juris Doctor in 1961 and was awarded the Honorary Society of Wing and Torch. He became licensed with the Ohio Bar Association in 1961, was recognized for 50 years of service in 2011, and served his last client until he allowed his license to expire at age 89.

Dick was not all work; he also knew how to play. He was an early member of the Miami View Golf Club where he continued to play most of his life. He was instrumental in starting the Finneytown Basketball Association for youth and coached both basketball and baseball. He was a positive influence for many boys during his 12 years of coaching. No matter what kind of activity the grandchildren were involved in doing, Dick and Ramona enjoyed attending and supporting their events.

The foundation of all these activities was his steadfast love for the Lord. He served as Chairman Board of Elders and President of the Church Council at Lutheran Church of Our Savior. He later was a member of King of Kings Lutheran Church. During the pandemic and the last years with Ramona he could not have shown her more care and support.

The family will receive friends on Friday July 21st at 5 pm to the time of memorial service at 6 pm at King of Kings Lutheran Church, 3621 Socialville-Fosters Road, Mason, OH 45040. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to King of Kings Lutheran Church or to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Cincinnati, OH 45202.

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