Leonard A. Wendinger

Leonard A. Wendinger, 90, died peacefully on Oct 3, 2021 on the family farm in Sleepy Eye, MN. Leonard "Lenny" Albert Wendinger was born July 25, 1931 in West Newton Township, St. George, MN to Albert and Gisella (Brey) Wendinger. Leonard grew up on the family farm in Lafayette, MN. He married Verna Haala on May 2, 1951 at St Mary's Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye. Leonard and Verna met at a gathering in Klossner after they had been to a dance at George's Ballroom. They married early in life. They learned ballroom dancing and enjoyed going to dances in area towns. His cherished wife was always his first priority. Leonard is survived by his wife, Verna, of Sleepy Eye; son Lonnie (Renee) Wendinger of Sleepy Eye; daughters, Laurie (Dale) Enns of Roseville, Lisa Ganske of St Paul, and Lana (Glen) Mathiowetz of Sleepy Eye; his much loved grandchildren, Lee Wendinger, Jennifer Bates, Terry Wendinger, Rachel Enns, Jeremy Ganske, Tami Limberg, Sam Ganske, Ashley Schieffert, Matt Mathiowetz, Molly Anderson, and Sean Mathiowetz, and 19 great-grandchildren; his sister, Marlys Wendinger of New Ulm; brothers and sisters in-law, Delmar (Dorothy) Haala, Melva Haala, and Lynn Haala. Leonard was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, William and Laura Haala; daughter LeAnn; son, Larry Wendinger; sister and brother in-law, LaDonna (Lloyd) Havemeier, and brother in-law, Les Haala. Leonard was an active member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. He loved to work and farmed side by side with his son for many years northeast of Sleepy Eye. Side jobs included mechanic at John Deere, bus driver, and truck driver for Del Monte and Lloyd Braun Trucking. He also drove truck for Steve's Feeds as an independent contractor. In 1994 he began working for M and R Paving as a truck driver. He retired in 2015 at the age of 84. With time on his hands, the yard, lawn, and grove became his main focus. In wintertime, the farm site was decorated with thousands of Christmas Lights. His pride and joy were his Grandchildren. Throughout his life he led by example, he instilled patience, kindness and acceptance. His legacy lives on through his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren. This lovingly meticulous and beloved man showed us all how to live every day to the fullest. All who attend services for Leonard are kindly asked to wear face coverings at the request of his family. Visitation 1 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Thursday, October 7, 2021 St. Mary's Catholic Church-Sleepy Eye 636 1st Ave. North Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, United States 56085 Visitation 2 10:00 am - 11:30 am Friday, October 8, 2021 St. Mary's Catholic Church-Sleepy Eye 636 1st Ave. North Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, United States 56085 Service Information 12:00 pm Friday, October 8, 2021 St. Mary's Catholic Church-Sleepy Eye 636 1st Ave. North Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, United States 56085 Interment Information St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery 720 3rd Ave. N.E. Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, United States 56085 Luncheon There will be no luncheon after burial.