Leonard L. Rehnelt, 93, Austin

Published 10:18 am Thursday, June 20, 2013

Leonard L. Rehnelt, 93, of Austin, Minn., died peacefully at his home with his family by his side, on Tuesday, June 18, 2013.

Leonard Rehnelt

Leonard was born Aug. 17, 1919, in Heron Lake, Minn., to Steven and Julia (Hrdina) Rehnelt. He grew up on the family farm and attended a small country school.

Leonard served in the U.S. Army during World War II from 1941 to 1945. He was wounded in the Battle of Guadalcanal, for which he received a Purple Heart. After recovering from his wounds, he was returned to his unit on Bouganville Island, in the Solomon Islands. He served with distinction and received several commendations.

Leonard married LeVonne Opsahl on June 15, 1946, in Albert Lea, Minn., and remained married until LeVonne’s death on Nov. 13, 2010. Following their marriage, the couple lived in Austin, where they raised their family. Leonard worked at Hormel Foods and retired in 1982. He enjoyed the outdoors and spent time hunting and fishing with his kids and grandkids. He also was an avid gardener and especially loved growing flowers. Leonard spent most weekends and vacations with family and friends at the “trailer” on the Mississippi River near Wabasha, Minn. He was a member of Queen of Angels Catholic Church, VFW, American Legion, Eagles and Moose Club.

Survivors include six children, Sandi (Harold) Brandt, Austin, Steven (Rita) Rehnelt, Wabasha, Minn., Jeanette (Steven) Myers, Claremont, Minn., Roberta (Mark) Aswegan, Ramsey, Minn., Michael (Lila) Rehnelt, Hayfield, Minn., Robert Rehnelt, Zumbrota, Minn.; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, LeVonne, Leonard is preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Tracy; one brother; and four sisters.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Mayo Clinic Home Hospice for their excellent care and support. Also special thanks to Sister Pat and Sister Francine for their visits.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated 10 a.m. on Friday, June 21, 2013, at Queen of Angels Catholic Church. There will be a 5 p.m. rosary on Thursday at Mayer Funeral Home where friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. The family will also greet friends at a luncheon following the service on Friday. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post No. 91 and VFW Post No. 1216. Condolences may be left online at www.mayerfh.com.