Leon Finkel

Leon Albert Finkel was called to his Heavenly Home on October 4, 2015. He was 82 years old. Leon was born on May 24, 1933 to Albert and Carrie Finkel on the farm in Dahlgren Township, Carver County, Minnesota. He became a baptized child of God on June 18, 1933. He went to grade school (1-8) at Carver, Minnesota, and confirmed his faith through the rite of Confirmation on March 23, 1947. After serving with distinction in the United States Army from 1954 through 1956, he farmed until 1986. He milked 54 cows and was a proud John Deere man. He also belonged to a Western Saddle Club, and proudly rode his horse Muggins in many parades.
On February 14, 1976, Leon married the love of his life, Lero Irene Pond. Leon and Irene worked together on the farm, putting in many hours together in the garden, canning pickles, and freezing corn. Leon was devoted to Irene, and never forgot to give her a card and flowers on both their anniversary and her birthday.
After the sale of the cows, Leon went to work at Menards. He spent a short time at Menards and then worked at Chaska Building Center until his retirement in 1995. At Chaska Building Center, Leon was known for the suspenders he wore and his knowledge for everything hardware. Many people came into the store, asking for Leon, because they knew he would find exactly the hardware they were looking for. Leon also ran a very successful saw sharpening business.
Leon's favorite hobby was always working with wood. From doll cradles and high chairs, to nativity scenes to trivets, Leon loved his wood shop. He loved giving his creations away to friends and family.
In 1997 Leon and Irene bought their home on Lower Mission Lake near Merrifield where they enjoyed their retirement. They enjoyed many trips together, to places like the House on the Rock in Wisconsin, Branson, Missouri, and the Amana Colonies in Iowa. Leon still worked part time at Moe's Hardware near Merrifield. They enjoyed hosting friends and family at their lake house, and always included a hot dog roast complete with s'mores. Leon took many fish from Lower Mission Lake, both on the pontoon and in his portable fish house in the winter.
Leon was a man of faith. He was a loyal member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Carver, Minnesota, where he was Sunday School Superintendent for 13 years. In 1999, when they moved to their new home at Merrifield, they became members at Mission of the Cross Lutheran Church in Crosslake, Minnesota. He served the church in many ways, including as an elder. He found great comfort in his faith, and clung to it until the very end.
Leon was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Carrie, an infant sister, Janice, infant granddaughter Emily Anne Hanson, and his loving wife, Lero Irene Finkel.
Leon's survivors include sisters, Clarice O'Gary, Barbara (David) Drealan (nephew William), and Janie (John) Hall (nephew David); children, Michael Finkel (Lori) of Janesville, Wisconsin, Carol Hanson (Mark) of New Auburn, Wisconsin, Judith Pierce (Jesse) of New Prague, and Esther Burns (Daniel) of Anoka; Step-Children, John Derksen (Barbara) of Pequot Lakes, Keith Derksen (Vickie) of Pine River, and Loraine Nolan (Timothy) of Hutchinson; grandchildren, Matthew and Ann Finkel, Cari and Laura Hanson, Ashley Grenier, and Ethan, Zachariah and Emma Burns; great-grandchildren, Violet Grenier-Butler, Declen Grenier, and Daxten Grenier; 11 Step-Grandchildren and four step-great-grandchildren; and numerous loving cousins, family and friends.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Golden Horizons of Crosslake, MN, North Ridge Care Center of New Hope, MN, and Heartland Hospice of both Brainerd and Roseville, MN for their care and love shown to Leon during the last two years of his time on earth. We rejoice that he now joins his Savior, his love Irene, and his family and friends in Heaven.
Services for Leon will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, October 13, 2015 at Mission of the Cross Lutheran Church in Crosslake. Family and friends are invited to gather one hour prior to services. Interment at Pinewood Cemetery in Crosslake.