Leonard Neitzel

Leonard Herman Neitzel, son of Ehwald and Florence (Shaw) Neitzel, was born January 5, 1932 in Swan Lake Township, Stevens County, Minnesota, where he grew up. He attended Donnelly Elementary School and continued his education at the Morris Ag School. In 1950 Leonard joined the Air Force. After serving his country he returned home. On November 14, 1956, he was united in marriage to Eloise Ann Peterson. This union was blessed with three daughters: Nancy, Marilyn and Barbara and one son: Kyle. Leonard retired after being employed by the Stevens County Highway Department for 32 years.

Leonard was a past president of the Morris Eagles, and served on the council for Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Chokio. He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, bird watching and mowing the grass. The biggest joy of his life was his family, big and small. A man loved by all.

Leonard died peacefully while on vacation on May 23, 2005 in Cottonwood, Arizona, having lived to reach the age of 72 years.

He is survived by his wife: Eloise Neitzel of Chokio; daughters: Nancy (Clayton) Ritter of Chokio, Marilyn (John) Wendlick of Fargo, ND, and Barbara (Chris) Romberger of Port St. Lucie, FL; son: Kyle Neitzel of Virginia Beach, VA; 9 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; mother: Florence Hesser of Cottonwood, AZ; brother: Donald (Joan) Neitzel of Cottonwood, AZ; sister: Mary Alice Kjeldahl of Minneapolis and many other family and friends. Leonard was preceded in death by his father: Ehwald Neitzel and brother: Rodger Neitzel.