Leslie R. Shawback Sr., 79, of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, died Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, at his home surrounded by his family.

Leslie Robert was born Sept. 30, 1937, in Hayfield, Minnesota, to Henry and Getta (Gilbertson) Shawback. On Nov. 22, 1958, he was united in marriage to Catherine Mary (Teachout) Mugride in Mason City, Iowa. Leslie had farming in his blood.  Over the years he worked for various area farmers, including HA Whittington in Hayfield, Clayton Reynolds Brothers in Sargeant, Minnesota, Ille Brothers in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, and Roger Amundson in Blooming Prairie. Leslie retired in 2000 after 58 years of farming. He enjoyed spending time with his wife and family, farming, going to the casino, and playing cards and games with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Catherine; children, Tammy (Lanny) Callahan, Leslie (Pam) Shawback Jr., Donald (Sarah) Shawback, and Mary (Charlie) Wallace, all of Blooming Prairie; 10 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; special friend Virginia Stanley; siblings Arthur (Lavonne) Shawback of Austin, Minnesota, Henry (Arlis) Shawback, Jr. of Blooming Prairie, and Raymond Shawback of Texas; many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Luella; siblings, Marion Peterson, John Shawback, Leland Shawback, Joseph Shawback, Mervin Shawback, and Carol Decker; and close family friend,Roger Amundson.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2017, at First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie with Pastor Heidi Heimgartner officiating. The Shawback family will greet friends from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 22,  at Worlein Blooming Prairie Funeral Home, and will continue on Wednesday morning for one hour prior to services at church. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.