Leonard Rehnelt

Leonard L. Rehnelt, age 93, of Austin, died peacefully at his home with his family by his side, on Tuesday, June 18, 2013. Leonard was born August 17, 1919 in Heron Lake, Minnesota 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 WWII 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, Minnesota and remained married until LeVonne's death on November 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, Minnesota. He was a member of Queen of Angels Catholic Church, V.F.W., American Legion, Eagles, and Moose Club. Survivors include six children, Sandi (Harold) Brandt, Austin, MN, Steven (Rita) Rehnelt, Wabasha, MN, Jeanette (Steven) Myers, Claremont, MN, Roberta (Mark) Aswegan, Ramsey, MN, Michael (Lila) Rehnelt, Hayfield, MN, Robert Rehnelt, Zumbrota, MN; 11 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren. In addition to his wife, LeVonne, he 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 10:00 am on Friday, June 21, 2013 at Queen of Angels Catholic Church. There will be a 5 pm rosary on Thursday at Mayer Funeral Home where friends may call from 5-7 pm. 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 #91 and V.F.W. Post #1216. Condolences may be left online at www.mayerfh.com

Service Information

Cemetery

Calvary Cemetery
4th Drive SW
Austin MN 55912

Visitation

Thursday, June 20 2013
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Mayer Funeral Home
600 2nd Street NW P.O. Box 27
Austin MN 55912

Service

Friday, June 21 2013
10:00 AM

Queen of Angels Catholic Church
1001 Oakland Avenue East
Austin MN 55912