Leonard A. Halvorson

Leonard “Lenny” A. Halvorson, 77, of St. Charles, passed away March 9, 2016 in at the Chosen Valley Care Center in Chatfield.

Leonard  was born September 11, 1938 in Lanesboro, Minnesota to Leonard P. Halvorson and Alpha H. Olson.  He was raised on a farm near Whalen, where they grew tobacco, hay, & corn.  He attended schools in the area and served his country in the United States Army and then North Dakota National Guard.

Leonard was active in farming all his life.  He started farming as a youth with his uncle Johnnie, and later worked with the Kaehler family in St.Charles. Leonard was a valued employee at Kaehler Farms. He was involved in all aspects of the farm---cattle, crops and children. He always drove the baler, and was the primary fence builder and fence keeper on hundreds of pasture acres. He will fondly be remembered as the person who gifted a new, handmade blanket to each new baby in the family and always made sure there were fresh donuts from the local bakery for breakfast when grandchildren and great-grandchildren were staying at Grandma Maxine’s house.  He enjoyed gardening, reading about history, playing scratch-offs, and helping Maxine, who he considered his second mother, with whatever tasks she thought needed to be done.

Leonard was more than the hired man, he was part of the operation. He will always be remembered as a hard worker who gave his all to Homedale Farms and the Kaehler family. He was proud of his Norwegian heritage, a lifelong member of his church, and always enjoyed being an active in his community of Whalen.

Leonard is lovingly remembered by his brother: Johnny Halvorson, of Whalan, sister-in-law: Jeanne Halvorson, of Harmony, and numerous nieces and nephews.   He is also survived by the Kaehler family, who graciously welcomed him into their lives.

Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, brother: Jerome Halvorson, and sister: Maureen Ginter.

A Funeral Service will be held for Leonard at 11:00 AM Tuesday, March 15th at the Whalan Lutheran Church with Rev. Patricia Hinkie officiating.

Visitation will take place 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM on Monday, March 14th at Johnson-Riley Funeral Home in Lanesboro and one hour prior to the funeral service at church.  Committal will follow the funeral service at the church cemetery.  Military Honors will be provided by the Whalan American Legion Post 637 and the Lanesboro American Legion Post 40.

Johnson-Riley Funeral Home in  Lanesboro is assisting the family with arrangements.   To share condolences with the family, please visit rileyfuneralhomes.com

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