Kern County Obituaries

Leon Dries

Submitted by Don Stowell; 13 Feb 2008

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Source Unknown; Date Unknown

Sept. 7, 1938 - May 10, 2004

Leon, who was known as Lee to everyone, was born on Sept. 7, 1938 in Bowdle, S.D. He was 
the oldest child of Edward and Verna Dries. In 1941, the family moved to Rapid City, S.D., 
where he grew up and graduated from high school. 

In 1957, Lee joined the Navy and was released with an honorable discharge in April 1962. He 
married Mary Jane Diehl on Dec. 17, 1960 and they had two children, Curtis and Veronica. He 
later divorced and married Margaret Cain on Nov. 21, 1973. Lee and Margaret had six 
daughters: Brie, Andrea, Lizabeth, Rachel, Kari 
and Lorna.
 
Lee earned two advanced degrees, one from South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in 
electrical engineering and the other from Lehigh University in metallurgy and materials science. 
He worked for Bell Labs, Western Electric, National Semiconductor and for 17 years owned 
and ran an electronic assembly business in San Jose.

In 1999, he moved to Tehachapi where his major pleasure in life was farming. He grew 
raspberries, apples and lavender. Lee was happiest when riding on his tractor, sharing his 
knowledge with others, and especially when he could love and laugh with his family.

A funeral service was held on Friday, May 14 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. 
Bishop Kevin Haub officiated at the service. Interment followed at Tehachapi Public 
Cemetery, Eastside. Wood Family Funeral Service handled the arrangements. 

NOTE: Photo At: http://www.calarchives4u.com/photos/kern/