Leslie “Les” Frederick Nyland, age 97, of Grandville (formerly St. Ignace), went to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 22, 2026. He was born on July 23, 1929, in Martin Township, Michigan, to Henreka (Bouwman) and Derk Jan Nyland. 

Les attended Martin High School. It was here that he met his high school sweetheart, Geraldine Lou Closs, whom he would later marry in 1948.

On July 9, 1948, Les joined the United States Coast Guard and was assigned to a LORAN station in the South Pacific. He completed his enlistment as an Electronic Technician First Class Petty Officer and was honorably discharged from the USCG Cutter Woodbine in Grand Haven, Michigan.

After leaving the Coast Guard, Les began his career with Lear Inc. in Grand Rapids, Michigan, working as an autopilot and radio technician in the aircraft industry. He later transferred to the manufacturing facility, and became a department manager. He remained with Lear, later known as LSI, for 42 years before retiring in 1992.

Outside of work, Les devoted 15 years to Scouting as a Scoutmaster, guiding many boys in the Byron Center area from Tenderfoot to Eagle Scout. His dedication to Scouting earned him the coveted Silver Beaver Award, one of the highest honors given to Scoutmasters. He was especially proud that both of his sons, Rodney and Leslie Jr., became Eagle Scouts during the years he served as their Scoutmaster.

Family, adventure, and the outdoors were at the heart of Les' life. The family took many trips out west, traveling and camping in their trailer, and made frequent trips to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to the cabin they had built on their own property. Les and Gerrie drove the Alcan Highway to Alaska several times.

Les loved fishing, hunting, and flying.  He spent many hours flying his small Cessna 140 throughout Michigan. He also bought, built, and ultimately flew his own ultralight airplane.

In 1996, Les and Gerrie moved to the Upper Peninsula, where they lived in their beloved "off-the-grid" log home. They spent 20 happy years there. Eventually, as they grew older and needed to be closer to medical care, they moved to a condominium in St. Ignace, Michigan.

Les also spent many happy hours working on old cars—fixing, painting, and showing them. He was especially proud of his old Fords: a 1915 Model T touring, a 1917 Model T roadster and a 1929 Model A coupe. He later added a 1964 Chevy to his collection.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 76 years, Geraldine Nyland; son-in-law, Mike Zandstra; his parents; four sisters and their husbands; and two sisters-in-law and their husbands. He will be lovingly remembered by his children, Diane Zandstra, Patricia Kay and David Morgenstern, Rodney Louis Nyland, Les Jr. and Kathy Nyland; grandchildren, Rebecca Lou and Brian Peuler, Rodney Nyland II and Rama Salhi, Jennifer Elaine Nyland-Acharya and Nick Acharya, Heather and Scott Kenna, Tammy and Seth Biggi; great-grandchildren, Haley Kenna, Bryce Kenna, Emerson Peuler, Lelya Lou Peuler, Sean Biggi, Lily Biggi; many nieces and nephews, extended family and lifetime friends. 

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 18, 2026, at Byron Center United Methodist Church, 2490 Prescott St. SW, Byron Center with Pastor Thomas Boutell officiating. A private family burial will be held at East Martin Cemetery. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Friday from 10-11 a.m. at the church prior to the service.