Leonard Schweisthal

Leonard R. Schweisthal, age 85, of Faribault, died on Friday, July 25, 2008, at Pleasant Manor Nursing Home in Faribault, following an extended illness.   Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, July 29, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at Divine Mercy Catholic Church, at Sacred Heart in Faribault.  Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Faribault, with military honors provided by the Rice County Central Veterans Association.   Visitation will be held at Parker Kohl Funeral Home in Faribault on Monday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Tuesday for one hour prior to the services at the church.   Leonard Robert Schweisthal, the son of Valentine and Florence (Lake) Schweisthal, was born on February 20, 1923 in Faribault.  He attended Faribault High School and graduated with the class of 1942.  Leonard served in the U.S. Army during WWII in the European Theater from 1943 to 1946. On July 12, 1950 he was united in marriage to Alice Wagner at the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Richardton, North Dakota. Leonard first worked as a carpenter for a short time, and then worked at McQuay's in Faribault from 1953 to 1988, retiring as a foreman. Following his retirement he worked for three years at Nerstrand State Park and volunteered at the American Legion. Leonard enjoyed carpentry work, gardening, making his own maple syrup, and shelling walnuts. He had a passion for hunting and fishing, which for 50 years he did both with two good friends, Don Perron and Gene Daniels. Leonard was a member of the American Legion Post 43 in Faribault.   He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Alice; seven children, Marlene (Jeff) Knack of Faribault, Dale (Georgia) Schweisthal of Faribault, Lawrence (Colleen) Schweisthal of Faribault, Gregory (Tammi) Schweisthal of Faribault, Jeffery (Jolene) Schweisthal of Buffalo, MN, Brian (Theresa) Schweisthal of Faribault, and Sharon Meyering (and fiance, Sean Austin) of Bend, Oregon; 15 grandchildren; six great grandchildren; brother, Roland (Jean) Schweisthal of Beaver Dam, WI; nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.   He is preceded in death by his parents; son, Thomas Valentine Schweisthal; and grandson Christopher Schweisthal.   Memorials may be designated to Parkinson's Research, Bethlehem Academy, or the choice of the donor.