Leslie Jerome Donek of Grand Marais, Minnesota, passed away peacefully with family by his side at North Shore Health on May 25, 2025 at 10:40 or 10-4 in trucker talk. What joy in Heaven when he was reunited with Sheila.
Les was born on April 16, 1947 to Jerome and Dorothy Donek in Two Harbors, Minnesota. He graduated from Cook County High School in 1965 and was a lifelong resident of Cook County.
Les was preceded in death by his parents and beloved daughter, Sheila.
He is survived by his son Jerry (Julie) Donek; brother Tex (Cindy) Donek and sister Joyce (Jack) Heiskari; step siblings George, Melvin and Noralyn Matson; grandchildren Colton (Alisha) Iverson and Ali Iverson; great grandchildren Levi and Sawyer Iverson; nephews Jeff (Joni) Heiskari, Jason (Sami) Donek and Brandon Donek; nieces Jaclyn (Troy) Berneking and Sherri (Tyler) Smith; and 6 great nieces and nephews.
Les began logging with his dad when he was 12 years old, driving the first rubber-tired skidder that his dad had built. He began trucking when he was 15 years old, driving a pulpwood truck for his dad. His teacher, Darold Rosbacka, remarked that Les was the only student that drove a pulpwood truck to school. “He sat in the back and fell asleep a few times. I never woke him up.” After graduation, Les worked for Ed Thoreson, Luis Petit and Verl Tilbury.
He began his own trucking business and drove for over 60 years. He was an icon in the trucking industry and his workday began around 1 A.M. All his trucks and pickups were “Donek Blue”. Les drove many cool cars, including his 1966 442 Olds Convertible and his 1969 orange Corvette. He had a nickname of “Lead Foot”.
He enjoyed hunting, snowmobiling, and fishing inland lakes. He especially enjoyed fishing at Isle Royale. While living at Devil Track Lake, he enjoyed boating, barbequing, socializing, and playing horseshoes.
Les was known for his strong work ethic, driving skills, kindness, patience, generosity and teasing. He had twinkling blue eyes and a mischievous grin.
He had incredible love for his son, Jerry. He was so proud of him and his logging and trucking business.
Our family would like to thank all the nurses, doctors, and personnel for all the wonderful care and love they gave Les. He was happy spending his last two years back in Grand Marais.
A family graveside gathering will be held later in the summer.
