Leonard Smith

Leonard William Smith was born July 15, 1924 to Frank P. and Lavina (Kappes) Smith in Madelia, MN, the third of nine children. He grew up on their farm SE of Madelia. Leonard entered the Marine Corps Jan. 30, 1943 serving until the end of WWII. After boot camp in San Diego, CA. he completed Amphibian Tractor training in Florida and then served with C Co. 3rd Amphib Tractor Battalion on South Pacific Islands from Guam to Iwo Jima. Leonard participated in the invasion of Iwo Jima hauling men and supplies to the beach under heavy shelling. He later trained in Hawaii for the pending invasion of Japan. Pfc. Leonard Smith was honorably discharged Dec. 7, 1945. After the war, Leonard farmed for 19 years with his brother Paul. Leonard married Norma Louise Wandersee on June 22, 1949 and she joined him on the farm. In Dec. 1964 they moved into the town of Madelia where Leonard purchased the Madelia Black Smith Shop from John Mayr. Leonard was active in the Madelia VFW and American Legion, serving as past commander. He was also a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. Leonard was never too busy to attend an auction and never came home empty handed. He is survived by his wife Norma; son, David; daughters, Barbara (special friend Nathan Thompson) and Jean (Glenn) Hansen; grandchildren, Keri (Cory) Slegh, Joseph Reed, Emily Reed, Jane (Mark) Borgen, Stephen (Maria) Hansen and Elizabeth Hansen; 5 great-grandchildren; siblings, Robert Smith SJ, Marvin Smith, Marie Smith SSND and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, 5 brothers, 1 daughter and 1 great-granddaughter. In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to the Watonwan County Historical Society. First Visitation 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Friday, August 23, 2013 Sturm Funeral Home, Pilgrim Chapel 303 E. Main St. Madelia, Minnesota, United States 56062 Second Visitation 9:30 am - 10:30 am Saturday, August 24, 2013 St. Mary's Catholic Church, Madelia 19 Crosby Ave. NE Madelia, Minnesota, United States 56062 Service Information 10:30 am Saturday, August 24, 2013 St. Mary's Catholic Church, Madelia 19 Crosby Ave. NE Madelia, Minnesota, United States 56062 Interment Information Calvary Cemetery, Madelia East, Co. Hwy 3 Madelia, Minnesota, United States 56062