Joseph “Joe” Dolien Leist, 76

Joseph “Joe” Dolien Leist, 76, devoted husband to Suzann Parker Leist, died at home Sept. 21, 2023. He was born in Elsmere, KY on April 21, 1947 to the late Bessie Lee Richerson of Grant County and William A. Leist of Covington.

His aunt Gertrude W. Richerson, Kentucky; brother Arthur “Sonny” Friis (Kay) Iowa, and sister Faith Friis Woodson (late Larry) Missouri plus nieces, nephews, and cousins survive him as well as his sons in Ohio: Joseph Dion (Janet), Chad Michael (Anne), Scott Bradley, and Cory Daniel. He was “Granddaddy” to Gregg (Jay), Alexis, Jacob, Cory Jr. (Lia) and Jaden, and step grandchildren.

After marrying Suzann in 1983, he left corporate life and apprenticed in the Kentucky Horse Park harness shop, working on saddles, bridles, and reins. In 1988 he opened Leist Leather Repair in their Kenton County farmhouse. With Suzann, he travelled Europe, studying equine history and tack. Consulting WWII master saddlers, he expanded his skills. Over 30 years, using only hand tools, he repaired saddles and tack for Western and English riders, from the Camargo Hunt to local stables, sharing his knowledge and a few jokes. In the Boar’s Head and Yule Log Festival at Christ Church Cathedral, Episcopal, he made leather belts and the archer’s quiver as well as carried the boar’s head trencher for 25 years.

A Kentucky Colonel in his beloved state, Joe would have appreciated memorial donations to the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, 943 South First Street, Louisville, KY 40203. A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, April 19, 2024, at Chambers & Grubbs Funeral Home in Independence, KY. Visitation at 10:30 a.m.; service 11 a.m. tp noon. A buffet lunch follows. Bring your stories of Joe!