Leo John Reding, 91, died Monday, Oct. 12, 2015, following a brief illness.

Leo was born June 6, 1924, to John and Mathilda Reding on the home place south of Austin, Minnesota. Leo attended school in Rose Creek, Minnesota, and graduated with academic and athletic honors. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he also excelled at both track and football for the Tommies.

Following college, Leo moved to Austin having accepted a teaching position at St. Augustine High School. It was then that he met, fell in love with and married Marian Thommes, his wife of more than six decades.

They spent those 60-plus years living in Austin where they raised five children and an adorable little dachshund. Leo worked 30 years for the Hormel Company, and was also actively involved in the political arena. He helped organize the original Mower County Young DFL Party, served as city councilman and mayor of Austin, and for 18 years in the Minnesota House of Representatives. He somehow found the time to enjoy the out-of-doors with his children — fishing, hunting, trapping and gardening on his small hobby farm.

Leo was a staunch conservationist, working tirelessly to improve the lot of nature and its inhabitants. He and Marian taught their children to respect life and to “be nice.”

Leo and Marian’s last years were spent at Primrose Retirement Center and after Marian’s death three years ago, he stayed on there. He has always loved family and friends and so Primrose became part of that extended family.

Leo was preceded in death by his wife, Marian Reding; and all of his siblings.

He leaves behind his five children: Colleen Reding (Mark Matthiesen), Maureen Hallett, Terry Reding (Mary Covington), Laurie Reding, and Tom Reding (Amy); five grandchildren: Alex Darke (Matt), Amy Hankinson (Matt Burns), Andrea O’Byrne (Ben), Lindsey Reding, Elizabeth McCanna (Mike); and one great-grandchild: Lincoln O’Byrne; as well as his sister-in-law Lenore Thommes; and many nieces and nephews and their families.

In his last days, Leo was at peace with the world — grateful for all.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. Augustine Catholic Church or to the University of St. Thomas. A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 16, 2015, at St. Augustine Catholic Church with Fr. Jim Steffes officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2015, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Mayer Funeral Home with a prayer service at 6:45 p.m. There will also be a visitation an hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Online Condolences-www.mayerfh.com.