Leonard B. Astrup, 86, of Austin, died at the Cedars Tuesday evening, July 22, 2014, from complications of a fall, ending a difficult journey with dementia.

He was born Aug. 3, 1927, to Christian Berg and Thelma (Knutson) Astrup in Grenora, North Dakota (“God’s Country”). After graduating from Grenora High School in 1945, he enrolled in ROTC and attended the School of Pharmacy at NDSU, graduating in 1949 as a Registered Pharmacist. Leonard met Corrine Spoonheim at graduation and then went to work at drug stores in Wahpeton, North Dakota, and Breckenridge, Minnesota. In the fall of 1952, Len moved to Austin where he founded Sterling Drug in the Sterling Shopping Center, which was only the second strip mall in the state of Minnesota. Len loved to work. Len had a great business sense, and today Sterling Drug Stores can be found in Minnesota and Iowa. Len married Corrine on June 11, 1955, in Breckenridge. His wife of 59 years was his greatest joy! He was a member of the Minnesota Pharmacists Association, served on the University of Minnesota Century Mortar Club Board, and he was a lifetime licensee of both the Minnesota and North Dakota Boards of Pharmacy. Len was a member of the Lions Club, Sons of Norway, Masons, Austin Country Club and Sterling Shopping Center Business Association. A charter member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in 1953, Len was actively involved there over the years and was the longest living member of the original building committee. He enjoyed tinkering and could repair most anything. Len enjoyed spending time with his family at home and at the cabin on Ottertail Lake, going out to eat, traveling and family vacations. Len was always very proud of his Danish heritage and enjoyed visiting Denmark.

Survivors include his wife, Corrine of Austin; children, Ann Astrup of Shoreview, Christopher (Lynn) Astrup of Austin, Daniel (Becky) Astrup of Austin, Susan (Erik) Lundquist of Rochester; nine grandchildren, Hayley (Tony) Post, Jessica Astrup (Nick Ehret), Robert Astrup, Andrea (Jeremiah) Becker, Michael Astrup, Laura Astrup, Anna Lundquist, John Lundquist and Peter Lundquist; a sister, Una Mae Penne of Bismarck, North Dakota.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Donovan Astrup and Odell Astrup.

The family would like to thank the caregivers at the Cedars (especially Maryanna, Angie and Jean) for their loving care and kindness, as well as the St. Croix Hospice staff.