Leon Velde

Leon Ellsworth Velde was born June 17, 1922, the son of Tolerius & Ella (Kalberg) Velde on the farm near Hanley Falls. He was baptized and confirmed at the Yellow Medicine Lutheran Church. He graduated from the Hanley Falls High School. Leon served his country overseas in the United States Army Air Corps. He was honorably discharged in October of 1947. He returned to Hanley Falls where he enjoyed farming until his retirement. He was united in marriage to Geraldine Swang on June 12, 1949 at Bergen Lutheran Church. Leon served on various boards throughout his life. He enjoyed antique tractors and visiting with friends and was a charter member of the Hanley Falls Pioneer Power Club. Leon was a lifelong member of Yellow Medicine Lutheran Church and also a member of the Hanley Falls American Legion. He loved camping, traveling and spending time with family.Leon passed away on Tuesday, March 26, 2013, at the Granite Falls Hospital. He was 90 years of age. He is survived by his wife Gerry of Granite Falls; children: Gary (Julie) Velde of Granite Falls; Kathy (Larry) Torke of Hanley Falls and Alan (Cindy) Velde of Hanley Falls; seven grandchildren: Sarah (Austin) Victor; Wendy (Joe) Allen; Melissa (Jeff) Nelson; Jason (Leslie) Torke; Emily (Brok) Johnson; Brian (Heather) Velde and Lisa (Brad) Rustman; 13 great grandchildren; one sister Ellayne (LeRoy) Conyers of Marshall and several nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Gerald Velde and two grandchildren: Faith Ellen Velde and Todd Aaron Velde.