Leo A. Perleberg

Leo Albert Perleberg, an 89-year-old resident of Pierz, MN , passed away at home on Saturday, June 4, 2016, surrounded by his loving family. The Mass of Christian Burial, celebrating his life, will be at 10:30 A.M., Thursday, June 9 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Pierz. Father Kenneth Popp officiating. Burial will be at St. Joseph’s Parish Cemetery in Pierz. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4 to 8 P.M. and from 9 to 10 A.M. on Thursday all at The Shelley-Virnig Funeral Chapel in Pierz. Military Honors will be conducted by the Pierz American Legion Post # 341. Legion and KC prayers at 6:30 PM followed by Parish prayers at 7:00 P.M. Leo was born February 13, 1927, at home in Buckman Township, MN to Peter and Mary (Weiling) Perleberg. He worked on his family farm and graduated from a Country School near Buckman. On November 18, 1949, Leo met the love of his life, Mary Ann Gross, on a blind date. They married on February 4, 1952, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Buckman. Like many in his generation, Leo sacrificed family time while he honorably served his country from 1952 to 1954 as a tank commander with the 1st Battalion 2nd Armored Cavalry stationed in Germany. After completing his service for his country, he continued his education in agriculture. In 1954, he and Mary Ann purchased land in Agram Township where they operated a successful family dairy farm for many years – raising cows, pigs and 8 children (Carol, Diane, James, David, Patricia, Robert, John and Paul). As an independent farmer, Leo worked long hours and often joked as he left for the barn early in the morning: “I need to keep working to buy the baby new shoes!” God, family, and country were Leo’s priorities. He was very proud to be a member of the American Legion Post 341, where he served as a color guard for many decades. He was a long-time parishioner and volunteer at St. Joseph’s Church where he as an active member of the Knights of Columbus and a founding member of the first Parish Council/Senate (1966). Leo was deeply religious with very personal convictions. Restoring vintage cars and John Deere tractors were some of Leo’s many passions. He shared his knowledge of engines with others through his membership with the Lone Eagle Auto Club. Hunting and fishing were some of his many enjoyable moments with family and friends. Leo was always up for a game of cards, particularly Smear. He had a special group of long-time friends that met frequently to play SOLO. Some of Leo’s greatest advice was delivered during these games and if someone hesitated to bid they would hear the words from Leo: “God hates a coward!” Leo Perleberg was a good man! Leo is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Mary Ann; children: Carol (David) Pundt of Deerwood, MN; Diane (George Michael) White of Ham Lake, MN; James (Carmen) of Little Falls, MN; David (Lois) of Royalton, MN; Robert (Donna) of Pierz, MN; Patricia Perleberg-Owen of Louisville, KY; John of Apple Valley, MN; and Paul (Elaina) of Minneapolis, MN; 14 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and 10 step-grandchildren; sisters: Irene Brogdon, Josephine (Leon) Leidenfrost, Jeanette Perleberg; and brother, Gerald. He is preceded in death by his parents; sisters: Helen Perleberg and Susan Loscheider, and by grandchild Mathew Reed Hales. Pallbearers will be James Perleberg, David Perleberg, Robert Perleberg, John Perleberg, Paul Perleberg, and Jeremiah Hales. Family preference for monetary donations is to the St. Joseph’s Church roof fund (Pierz).

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Leo A. Perleberg

February 13, 1927 - June 4, 2016