Leo Kowalzek

Leo Kowalzek, 91 year old resident of Harding, MN died Wednesday, December 26 at the Golden Living Nursing Home in Battle Lake, MN. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Holy Cross Catholic Church at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday in Harding, MN with Rev. Gerald Dalseth officiating. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Friends may call from to 6-8 PM at the Emblom-Brenny Funeral Service in Pierz, MN on Friday and from 9 to 10 on Saturday at the church. Leo was born February 11, 1916 in Platte Township, Morrison County, Minnesota to the late Matt and Mary (Trettel) Kowalzek. He grew up and attended school in Platte Township. He was united in marriage to Mary Dombovy on June 20, 1938 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Harding, MN. The couple lived in the Harding area for a few years until moving to Greggory South Dakota in 1949. The couple then moved to Tower City, North Dakota in 1950. During, his time in South Dakota and North Dakota Leo, worked for Commonwealth Contractors setting power line poles for power companies. The couple returned to Harding, MN in 1951. Leo farmed in Platte Township for many years. Leo also worked for Larson Boats in Little Falls, MN and the Brainerd Foundry in Brainerd, MN. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, making miniature log villages and carpentry building his own houses. Leo made several sacrifices during his life to support his family. Leo was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Harding, MN. Leo enjoyed spending time with his friends and families especially his grandchildren. He is survived by his children, Harvey Kowalzek and wife, Hazel, of Pierz, MN, Marlene Fearing of Tucson, AZ, Sandra Beschienen of Pierz, MN, Nancy Fairbanks and husband, Warren, of McGregor, MN, Lonnie Kowalzek and wife, Terri, of Pierz, MN; 15 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by is parents, Matt and Mary (Trettel) Kowalzek; wife, Mary; daughter, Salina Deason; infant-son, Merle Kowalzek; brothers, Steve Kowalzek, Felix Kowalzek, Philip Kowalzek; sister, Rosie Eberttowski.