Leslie LaVern Zink was born on December 6, 1936 in Marshalltown, Iowa, the son of Samuel E. and Edna Lane Zink. He was raised and educated in the Green Mountain area, graduating from the Green Mountain High School in 1955. He married Yvonne Ann Kutzner on March 23, 1957 in Marshalltown, Iowa, and they farmed on the family farm near Green Mountain. He later began farming in the St.Anthony area where they have lived for the past thirty-six years. He was a member of the Clemons United Church of Christ, past president and director of the Marshall County Cattlemen’s Association, past 4-H Leader and former board member of the Central Iowa Fair Board.

LaVern is survived by his wife: Yvonne Zink of St. Anthony, two daughters: Debra (Steve) Pille and Teri (Glen) Mann, both of Marshalltown; four grandsons: Eric Pille, Kurt Pille, Allen Mann and Bennett Mann; sister: Doris Weller of Marshalltown; brother: Clifford (Marie) Zink, of Marshalltown; and sister: Darlene (Dennis) Hausperger of Newton.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Eldon and Melvin Zink; two sisters: Marjorie Simpson and Jean Gogg..