Leroy Mahowald

LeRoy Leonard Mahowald, age 80, of Faribault, passed away on Saturday, July 14th at the St. Lucas Care Center, Faribault, MN. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, July18th at 10:30 am at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 139 Mercy Dr., Faribault, with Father Kevin Finnegan, officiating. Interment will take place following the funeral at the St. Lawrence Cemetery in Faribault. Visitation will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory in Faribault on Tuesday, July 17th from 3-8 p.m. and on Wednesday for one hour prior to the services at the church. Born on January 27, 1932, in New Market, MN; LeRoy was the son of Joseph and Gertrude (Friedges) Mahowald. "Roy" as everyone knew him was baptized and confirmed in the St. Nicholas Catholic Church in New Market. He attended parochial school with the "Notre Dame Nuns" and graduated from the 8th grade or as he called it the "New Market Tech".  He grew up on the farm and stayed home to help his mom & dad. Before coming to Faribault he built railroads and bridges in the Twin Cities until he married the 'boss's daughter'. He was married to Helen Ann Heselton on November 23, 1957 at the St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Faribault, MN.  He worked for B.H. Heselton for 36 years until he retired in 1993 after the 1st of many heart attacks. He purchased a 'hobby farm' just north of Faribault in 1974 where he enjoyed his love of the fields and outdoors. Roy enjoyed playing euchre, helping friends and family with their farming and needs. He was an active grandfather to his eight grandchildren attending every concert, ballgame, dance recital, play etc. Helen and Roy enjoyed their cabin in Aitkin, MN and the wonderful neighbors they met on Hanging Kettle Lake; He loved to snowmobile and would go on many trips with many friends and family. Some people collect stamps, Roy collected tractors and was proud to have his dad's 1st tractor that was purchased in 1943 when he was 11 years old. He also enjoyed driving his Model A's with his grandchildren and being in parades. He is quoted saying "I always liked to do things that most people wouldn't do" and that is a fact. Before his last heart surgery in 2009, he stated "if something should happen, that I had a good life".  Well Roy, it sure wasn't boring! He was on the St. Lawrence Parish Council, belonged to the Eagles, Knights of Columbus, the Moose Lodge, Faribault Senior Center, Owatonna Senior Place and volunteered for the St. Lawrence Fun Fest, Volunteer Driver for the VA; and was on various committees. He loved to volunteer and was always helping others. LeRoy Leonard is survived by his wife of 54 ½ years, Helen; three children Susan Kay (Norm) Hickel of St. Paul, Anne (Joe) Pleskonko of Faribault and James (Michelle) Mahowald of Faribault. His eight grandchildren Daniel, Steven and Sarah Hickel of St. Paul; Kate, Jessica & Joey Pleskonko of Faribault and Mark & Nicole Mahowald of Faribault. He survived by his brother-in-law Willie Bauer of Farmington; John & Carol Heselton of Faribault; Sue & Tom Melchior of Shakopee; Rosemary Nelson of Phoenix. Also, many nieces, nephews, great nieces & nephews. Special cousins Davey Friedges & Bud Zweber. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Alvin Mahowald, 1974; sisters Deloris Bauer, 1986 and Alvina Zoubek, 1994. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to Divine Mercy Catholic Church, or donor's choice.