Leon Haala

Leon Edward Haala, son of Leonard and Beatrice (Hillesheim) Haala, was born September 18, 1945, in Sleepy Eye, MN. He grew up on a farm about one mile north of Comfrey. Leon attended St. Paul's Catholic School through 8th grade and then continued at Comfrey Public School graduating in 1963.

Leon served in the Navy from 1964-1968, stationed primarily in San Diego, CA. After his time in the service, he moved to Mankato and worked as a purchasing agent at Year-Round Cab and Hiniker. Leon then moved to Sherburn, MN and was general manager at Eagle Engineering.

On April 16, 1977, he married Cheryl Fontaine, who was his secretary. They lived in Sherburn for several years, then moved to Elk River, MN. In 1994, they purchased the hardware store in Comfrey, and he was also a school bus driver. After selling the hardware store, Leon was a custodian at Comfrey School until 2010.  Leon and Cheryl moved to Springfield for 10 years and then returned to Comfrey.

Leon loved fishing, staying at resorts, camping, watching football and baseball, and visiting with people.

He is survived by his wife Cheryl, daughter Tamera (Nick) Berning, grandchildren Andy (Katie) Berning, and Amy (Marcus) Benoit; great-grandchildren Jeremiah, Carly, Ella, Wyatt, and Joe Berning; sister Patti (Norbert) Wenisch, aunt Donna Mae (Donald) Schneider, and many nieces and nephews. Leon was preceded in death by his parents, brother Bruce Haala, nephew Brian Wenisch, and many aunts and uncles.

Leon loved life in Comfrey, had a very kind personality, and many good friends. He will be greatly missed.