Dale Leon Leenerts was born July 22, 1922, to George and Ethel (West) Leenerts in Bruning, Nebraska. He was baptized on August 20, 1922, on his parents farm outside of Bruning, by Rev. Bartell. He graduated from high school in 1940. On March 5, 1941, the Leenerts family moved just outside of Boyd, Minnesota, on a farm. Dale worked various jobs, including helping his parents farm. In 1944 he worked for Norlings Silo Plant in Willmar, Minnesota, and later at Swift's in Montevideo, Minnesota. Dale married Ethel (Nilson) on May 25, 1951, at Zion Lutheran Church in Tyro Township. They lived in Boyd and were the parents of five children: Debra, Vernon, Robby, Cindy, and Julie. Dale worked several jobs over the years he was married, including 10 years for the Drayline, five years for the railroad, and seven years for Groodums Drying Plant in Clarkfield, Minnesota, following which he retired. In 1997, due to health problems, Dale and Ethel moved to Montevideo, Minnesota, close to their daughters Cindy and Julie. They lived at Eastgates Townhouses for two years and the remaining of their years at Rem Golden. Dale was a faithful member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Boyd, Minnesota. He and Ethel read their Bible daily together. They especially loved their visits from Pastor George. Dale enjoyed fishing, gardening, and his family and grandchildren. He enjoyed an occasional card game of "buck yuker", western movies, word puzzles and reading. He was always willing to help anyone in need. He was a very kind and loving husband and father. He will be missed very much. Blessed be his memory. Dale passed away on Thursday, April 25, 2002, at his residence, Rem Golden, in Montevideo at the age of 79 years, 9 months, and 3 days. He is survived by his children: Debra (and Ken) Stevens of Canyon Lake, Texas, Vernon of Echo, Minnesota, Cindy (and Jon) Hokins of Montevideo, and Julie (and Robert) Grant of Montevideo. He is also survived by many grandchildren; brothers Robert Leenerts of Moundsview, Minnesota, and Kenneth (and Geraldine) Leenerts of Clarkfield; sister Betty Ostenson of Montevideo; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents George and Ethel Leenerts; son Robby; grandson Gerrod Leenerts; and his wife, Ethel, in March. Visitation Monday, April 29, 2002, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Prayer Service 6:30 p.m. Lynner Funeral Home, Clarkfield, Minnesota Funeral Service Tuesday, April 30, 2002, 1:00 p.m. Redeemer Lutheran Church, Boyd, Minnesota Officiating, Pastor George Saggisor Organist, Patrick Saumer Soloist, Diane Guidi "How Great Thou Art" Casket Bearers Mike Clausen, Lonny Clausen Dean Leenerts, Jimmy Leenerts Lanny Ostenson, Todd Ostenson Final Resting Place Trinity Lutheran Cemetery Boyd, Lac qui Parle County, Minnesota Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota