Leslie was born in Williston, North Dakota to John R. Elling and Gunda (Vollum) Elling.
Leslie had lived in Silverton, Oregon before moving to Fairbanks, Alaska in 1976. He worked on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline as an Operating Engineer. He retired in 1992. Leslie returned to Silverton, Oregon to live, while continuing to travel up to Alaska, as well as snow birding down in Arizona in the winter months. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and traveling. In 2015 he moved to Lake Havasu City, Arizona. He spent his last two years living in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Leslie also served proudly in the Oregon State National Guard. He is survived by his son, Lonnie Elling, his daughter Lori (Elling) McCracken, his grandson Matthew McCracken as well as his sister, Mavis Simonson and brother Marley Elling. Leslie was preceded in death by his parents John and Gunda Elling, and his brother, Robert (Bobby) Elling.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 19, 2021 at Valley View Cemetery in Silverton at 12 p.m. A Celebration of Life service at the Silverton Elks Lodge from 1-4 p.m. will follow the graveside service.
Arrangements by Unger Funeral Chapel – Silverton, Oregon.
