Leon Joseph Kirchner

Leon Joseph Kirchner age 75, of Madelia, MN passed away surrounded by his family on January 2, 2020, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato, MN. Visitation will be on Tuesday, January 7, 2020 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the St. Mary's Catholic School, Madelia, beginning with rosary prayer at 4:00pm. Visitation will continue on Wednesday from 9:30 am until 10:30 am at the Sturm Funeral Home, Pilgrim Chapel in Madelia. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the St. Mary's Catholic Church, Madelia on Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at 10:30 am. The clergy will be Fr. Timothy Hall. Interment will be at the Calvary Cemetery in Madelia. Military rites by the Madelia Area Veterans Honor Guard. Arrangements are with the Sturm Funeral Home, Pilgrim Chapel in Madelia. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com. Leon Joseph Kirchner was born on August 21, 1944 in Slayton, MN to Clarence and Bernita (Flynn) Kirchner. He was baptized and confirmed at the St. Gabriel's Catholic Church in Fulda, MN. Following his graduation from Fulda High School, Leon attended the Medical Institute of Minnesota and Mankato State College. On June 25,1966, he married Donna Guyan. Leon was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam from 1967-1968. He was awarded the Purple Heart and earned 3 Bronze Stars. After his return from Vietnam, Leon worked at the Elkader, IA hospital and then went to the Madelia Hospital as a lab and x-ray tech. He then worked for many years as an insurance agent with Madelia Lake Crystal Mutual Insurance Company until he retired. Leon served the community in many capacities, including the Madelia City Council, St. Mary's School and Church boards, Madelia Lake Crystal Insurance Board, the Madelia Rescue Squad and was a member of the Madelia American Legion Post 19 and VFW Post 3842. In his free time, he enjoyed golfing, woodworking, tinkering in his shop, silversmithing, bird watching and yard work. He loved spending time with his friends, family and especially attending his grandchildren's activities. Leon is survived by his wife, Donna Kirchner; sons, Lance (Janel) Kirchner, Scott (Lea) Kirchner; daughter, Megan; brothers, Raymond (Carol), Ronald (Diane), Jerry (Karen) Kirchner; sisters, Carol, Judy, Joan (Wayne); 6 grandchildren - Kaitlyn, Dylan, Kiera, Jackson, Kendra and Mya and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Bernita Kirchner, brothers-in-law, John Kremer and Ron Petros. Visitation 1 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm Tuesday, January 7, 2020 St. Mary's Catholic School, Madelia 223 1st St NE Madelia, Minnesota, United States 56062 ROSARY AT 4:00pm IN SCHOOL GYMNASIUM. Visitation 2 9:30 am - 10:30 am Wednesday, January 8, 2020 Sturm Funeral Home, Pilgrim Chapel 303 E. Main St. Madelia, Minnesota, United States 56062 Service Information 10:30 am Wednesday, January 8, 2020 St. Mary's Catholic Church, Madelia 223 1st St. NE Madelia, Minnesota, United States 56062 Interment Information Calvary Cemetery, Madelia East, Co. Hwy 3 Madelia, Minnesota, United States 56062 Reception A luncheon will be served in the St Mary's school cafeteria immediately following interment. Military Rites Military Honors will be provided by the Madelia Area Veterans Honor Guard.