Leo Fahnlander

Leo F. Fahnlander, age 85, of Staples died Thursday, June 9, 2005 at University Medical Center in Minneapolis. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, June 14, 11 am, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Staples, with Reverend Father Peter Kirchner officiating. Rosary service will be Tuesday, June 14, 10 am, at Brenny Funeral Home in Staples. Interment will be at Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Staples, with military honors. Arrangements entrusted to Brenny Funeral Home of Staples.
Leo was born March 9, 1920 in Staples, son of Eugene B. and Patronell (Nelson) Fahnlander. He grew up in Staples and attended Sacred Heart Elementary School through eighth grade and then graduated from Staples High School with the class of 1938. He was employed by the Northern Pacific Railroad in September, 1938, in the clerical department. In April of 1942 he entered the army and was assigned to the Eighth Army Air Corp. Following his honorable discharge on Sept 30, 1945, he returned to Staples. He was united in marriage to Dene R. Daniels, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. CP Daniels, on November 7, 1945. Before returning to service on the Northern Pacific he took a refresher course at St. Cloud Business College. He worked as steno for the trainmaster at Staples, private secretary to the superintendent at Minneapolis, and chief train crew board clerk until his retirement on March 9, 1981. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus; served as treasurer and board member of the Terrace Golf Course; was a 30-year volunteer on the Staples Fire Department, serving as treasurer, assistant chief, and chief; and served as commissioner on the Staples Housing Authority board. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion and the VFW.

Leo is survived by Dene, his wife of nearly 60 years; children Shirley Farhlander, of Staples, Mary Newman, of North Dakota, and Peter (Patricia) Fahrlander, of Rosemount; 18 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Suzanne Doyle; a great-granddaughter, Kali Angevine; a sister, Marie; three brothers, Bernard, Gabriel, and Raymond.