Leslie Warren Kane, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away surrounded by family. He was born on October 25, 1943, in Yakima, Washington, to Viola and Warren Kane.
Les married the love of his life, Karen, on August 31, 1963. Together, they built a beautiful life and celebrated 62 years of marriage. Their partnership was filled with adventure, love, and laughter as they raised their three children—Debbie, Brian, and Brenda.
A Life of Hard Work and Adventure
Les served in the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1963. After his military service, his working career began with International Harvester, where he spent more than 25 years in dealer development. His work moved the family over 17 times across the Northwest and West Coast, teaching them to be self-sufficient and adaptable in any situation. At one point, he even purchased and operated an International Harvester dealership in Idaho.
In 1980, he relocated the family to the corporate headquarters near Chicago, where he also earned an MBA from Lake Forest College—a reflection of his passion for education and his dream that his children pursue higher education as well.
After leaving International Harvester, Les took a role in dealer development at Haworth in Holland, Michigan. He loved his time there, remarking often that Holland reminded him of his roots in the Northwest, with its natural beauty and strong sense of community.
Eventually, Les followed his entrepreneurial spirit and opened his dream business—a Dairy Queen. With the help of his entire family, he proudly owned and operated two Dairy Queen restaurants for 23 years. He especially loved stepping out into the dining room to chat with his customers, many of whom became like family. His joy and pride in his work shone through every Blizzard and ice cream cone served. Les retired in 2014, closing a chapter on a career that reflected his dedication, work ethic, and love for people.
Retirement Years
After retirement, Les and Karen moved to Arizona, where they enjoyed the sunshine and each other’s company. In 2022, they returned to Michigan to be closer to family—a decision that brought him great contentment in his later years.
Family Above All
Les was a man devoted to his family. He was not only a proud father but also a deeply loving grandfather and great-grandfather. His greatest joy was time spent with them, celebrating milestones, sharing stories, and offering his unwavering support. He also loved to “gift” all his children with his wisdom on a regular basis—whether they asked for it or not. His advice was always well-intentioned, sometimes profound, and often accompanied by a good laugh.
He leaves behind his cherished wife, Karen, his children Debbie (Mike) McNett, Brian (Sue) Kane, and Brenda (Dave) Seymour, grandchildren Kelsie McNett, Marissa (Nick) Harmsen, Ashlynn (Divino) Briseño, Aarron Seymour, and Parker Seymour, and great-grandchildren Edith Garrett, Opal Garrett, and Hayden Harmsen. He is also survived by his siblings Kenneth Kane(Judy), Richard Kane, Chris Kane, and Sue Roarke, and many nieces and nephews.
A Legacy of Love and Laughter
Les will be remembered for his hard-working spirit, his entrepreneurial drive, his humor, and his ability to make everyone feel welcome. Whether it was in the DQ dining room, at the kitchen table, or in the middle of one of his “life lesson speeches,” Les’s warmth and kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him. His legacy will live on in the love of his family and the countless lives he touched.
Celebration of Life
The immediate family will be holding a private celebration of life to honor Les. In the summer of 2026, his remains will be taken home to Yakima, Washington, where he will be laid to rest.
If you would like to honor Les, please go enjoy a treat at Dairy Queen—and maybe even strike up a conversation with the person at the next table. He would have loved that. And if you feel inspired, post a picture of your treat on this page—because nothing would make Les smile more.
Arrangements made by the Dykstra Funeral Home-Mulder Chapel.
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