Les Allen Moat

LES ALLEN MOAT, age 69, of Waseca, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2024, at the New Richland Care Center, surrounded by loved ones.

Born on August 20, 1955, he was the son of Lester Dean and Letta Ann (Rosen) Moat. Les received his education at Russell Public School, graduating with the class of 1973. Following his education, he enlisted into the United States Navy, serving his country during the Vietnam War. While Les was on leave from the Navy he met Susan Lynn Hawkins through mutual friends and they were united in marriage on March 13, 1976. They began their married life together living in Japan where Les was stationed. When Les was transferred from Japan, they made their home in California and welcomed their first son, Jesse. Following his honorable discharge in 1979, Les and Susan lived in Minnesota for a short time, where they were blessed with their second son, Jeremy. The family then moved to South Dakota where Les worked for the University of South Dakota in Vermillion. There Les and Susan added two daughters to the family, Rebecca and Elisabeth. While living in South Dakota Les was hired with the Federal Bureau of Prisons in Yankton, and was later transferred to Pekin, Illinois where he led a team in building a new prison. Les then accepted a position opening the new prison in Waseca. It was always Les and Susan’s desire to return to Minnesota to raise their family. Les continued to work there until retiring in 2008 as the General Foreman of the prison. Together Les and Susan shared 35 years of marriage before Susan passed away on April 21, 2011. Les enjoyed gardening, dancing, playing bingo and cards, and always looked forward to attending rodeos. More than anything though, he loved spending time with those he cared about. He was actively involved in his children's extracurricular activities, and never passed up an opportunity to share wisdom, knowledge, or a good joke. He was a member of the Sweet-Sommers VFW Post 1642, where he had served as commander, Waseca American Legion Post 228, Owatonna Eagles Club, Tuscan Lodge #77 in Waseca and the Owatonna Area Shrine Club. 

Les is survived by his children: Jesse (Sydny) Moat of Virginia Beach, VA, Jeremy Moat of Scranton, PA, Rebecca (Bart) Bauer of Missoula, MT, and Elisabeth (Tim) Sargeant of Grand Forks, ND; four grandchildren: Daphne Bauer, Juniper Bauer, Oakley Moat and Andrew Sargeant; girlfriend, JoAnn “JoJo” Storlie; siblings: Larry Moat, Lori Taveirne and Lance (Linda) Moat; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

Preceded in death by his parents Lester and Letta, and wife Susan.

Visitation will be from 4:00 – 7:00 PM on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at the State Street Chapel of Dennis-Steffel-Omtvedt Funeral and Cremation Service in Waseca. Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. 

Funeral Service will be 12:00 PM on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at Grace First Parish in Russell, Minnesota. Interment will be in the Russell Cemetery.