Leland John Doebbert

Leland John DoebbertMarch 18, 1927-February 16, 2011 Leland John Doebbert, 83, of Winona passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Wednesday, February 16, 2011 at Lake Winona Manor. Leland was born March 18, 1927 in Fountain City, WI to John and Elfrieda (Bielefeldt) Doebbert. He grew up on the family farm in Eagle Valley in rural Fountain City. As a senior at Fountain City High School, Leland entered the U.S. Army and served in WWII from 1945-47 as a Gun Crewman in Panama and was awarded several medals. Leland and Marilyn Anderson were united in marriage on June 16, 1956. The couple farmed in rural Fountain City until later moving to Winona where Leland worked as a welder for Badger Equipment Co. for 33 years. He was an active member of the Church of the Nazarene, generously serving in many capacities. He was also a proud member of the Winona American Legion Post and served on the Legion Honor Guard for 10 years. He had the privilege to travel with other WWII vets on a recent Honor Flight to visit the WWII monument in Washington D.C. Leland and his wife enjoyed building and remodeling homes in the Winona area as a hobby. He had a lifelong love for all animals including horses, ponies and his family pets. He was also an avid Minnesota Twins fan. Foremost in his life though, was his family, and especially his grandchildren, who were his pride and joy. Survivors include his wife Marilyn, four children; Kim Doebbert of St. Paul, Betty (Harry) Kline of Winona, Karl (Lisa) Doebbert of Royce City, TX and Kris (James) Dufseth of Winona, eight grandchildren, two sisters, Iva Putz and Reathel (Jerry) Beisch and two brothers, Gale and Neil (Dorothy) Doebbert. He was preceded in death by a daughter Carol Joan, four brothers and two sisters. Services to celebrate Leland's life will be Sunday, Feb. 27 at 2 pm, Church of the Nazarene with Pastors Stu Jones & Phil Sorensen officiating. Military Honors will be conducted by the Winona American Legion Honor Guard following services at the church. Hoff Funeral & Cremation Service-Hansen Goodview Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share a memory of Leland at his on-line Guestbook and view his Tribute Video when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.comLooking for the SunriseI'm not looking for the sunset,As the swift years come and go;I am looking for the sunrise,And the golden morning glow,Where the light of heaven's gloryWill break forth upon my sight,In the land that knows no sunset,Nor the darkness of the night. I'm not going down the pathwayToward the setting of the sun,Where the shadows ever deepen When the day at last is done;I am walking up the hillsideWhere the sunshine lights the way,To the glory of the sunriseOf God's never-ending day. I'm not going down, but upward,And the path is never dim,For the day grows ever brighterAs I journey on with Him.So my eyes are on the hilltops,Waiting for the sun to rise,Waiting for His invitationTo the home beyond the skies.--Albert Simpson Reitz
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/199613