Douglas James Leeseberg

Douglas James Leeseberg, 76, of Riverside, CA passed from this life into eternal life on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at Riverside Community Hospital. Douglas was born on June 12, 1944 in Elmhurst, IL, the son of Herman Leeseberg and Flora Bruns. He joined the U.S. Army in 1964 at the age of 19, was married in 1968 and started a family in 1972. Douglas will be remembered as a gentle, kind, and hard-working man who worked tirelessly throughout his life to provide a stable, loving home for his family.

Douglas, often called “Butch”, was born into a family of ten children. Conversations with Douglas were often reflective of his upbringing, the foods his mother prepared in large batches, the family garden, and his employment at the neighborhood liquor store. As one of the younger siblings, he had the joy of becoming an uncle at a very young age and babysat his nieces and nephews on occasion. Being an uncle was one of his favorite roles in life which created many happy memories. He often checked in to follow their life accomplishments. He was preceded in death by both parents and siblings Norbert, Richard, Joanne, Rudolph, Patricia, and Charles. He is survived by his brothers, Kenneth and Roger, and sister, Jean.

At the age of 20, Douglas joined the United States Army and proudly served his country for twenty (20) years, which included serving in the Vietnam War. During his service, he primarily served as a Supply Sergeant ensuring soldiers had necessary supplies, uniforms, and equipment. He completed tours in Hawaii, Germany, Missouri, Korea, and established a home for his family near Fort Knox, Ky. The family resided in Vine Grove, KY for 14 years and relocated to Riverside, CA in 1988 after his service retirement. Douglas began his second career in 1988 and worked as a warehouseman for Keystone Automotive for 25 years. Doug remained fiercely loyal to the company and worked until the age of 69 rarely missing a day of work.

Douglas met and married Rosemary Gualdarama on December 28, 1968 in Hawaii. Together they raised their two daughters, Carey and Jennifer. Although they divorced after 33 years, Douglas and Rosemary remained the best of friends and enjoyed many happy memories throughout their 53 years together. In addition to his siblings, he is survived by his eternal friend, Rosemary, his daughters Carey (Julio) and Jennifer; his grandchildren Angelina (Carlos), Julie, Felix, Mariah and Daniel; and his great-grandchildren Scarlet, Marilyn, and Michael. He was overjoyed to become a grandfather and great-grandfather.

In retirement, Douglas had several interests which included country music, coin collecting, and watching Dodger games. He was an avid fan of Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton and Marilyn Monroe. He was especially adamant that both Elvis and Marilyn were still alive! Douglas often shared many stories and would generate many laughs with his silly nature. He was fiercely loved and will be dearly missed.

Douglas will be celebrated through a small private viewing and a full military honors ceremony at Riverside National Cemetery on Monday, April 5, 2021.

The following poem will be read in his honor

The Old Salt. by Mac McGovern

The Old Salt was a special man who came along in a time when he was needed most.

A time that is now gone forever. When men believed and sacrificed, when heroes walked the earth in mass.

When patriotism was not just a word but, by what men lived and judged the worth of each, a man who lived a life most of us cannot comprehend. An era now gone as this warrior’s tour of duty ends at this station, and begins anew in the heavenly fleet.

We salute you. What greater honor, that when a man moves forward, he leaves behind in each of us the best of what he was.

A defender, protector, supporter, victor, a warrior, the last of the breed from an era when ships were made of wood and men were made of steel. The Old Salt has reported for duty that takes him away from us for now.

Those of us who remain behind, remember, and will continue to remember, because he now resides forever in our hearts.

As I look up at night, I envision The Old Salt, as he draws upon his pipe, quietly he waits. The guardian of heaven’s gate.