Leo O. Toft July 16, 1922~November 14, 2013 Leo Toft was born July 16, 1922, to Olaf and Ragna (Hill) Toft in Balaton, Minnesota. He was the fourth of six children. He was baptized and confirmed in Balaton. He attended school in Balaton until the 10th grade. Leo joined the CC Camp Program. He made $25.00 per month and sent home $20.00 and kept $5.00 for himself. He farmed until he was 20 and then volunteered for the Army. Leo and Phyllis (Ness) were married on December 27, 1944, at the parsonage in Flandrau, South Dakota. Leo was home on furlough and they decided to get married before he was sent to Europe during World War II. Leo walked all the countries in the Europeon Theatre. When he was discharged he and Phyllis started farming in Ruthton, Minnesota. Machinery was rationed after the war. Because he was in the service his name was moved to the top of the "list" which enabled him to buy his first John Deere A. The Tofts farmed a few years in the Kenyon and West Concord area. Leo had a heart issue and was no longer able to farm. They came to Clarkfield and opened a Gamble Store. They had the Gamble Store until 1970. Leo then worked at the Clarkfield Elevator until he retired in 1984. He was active in the Cub Scouts, Clarkfield City Council and was a County Commissioner. After retiring, he bought and restored John Deere tractors. The first tractor he restored was taken out of the Dennis and Mary Jo Haaland grove. Son, Daryle eventually became Leo's John Deere partner. Leo also enjoyed woodworking and made various wood items for his family. He enjoyed fishing, cards, playing cribbage, going to auctions and most of all spending time with Phyllis and his family. He bragged about his family saying "his are the best!" Leo passed away on Thursday, November 14, 2013, at the age of 91 years with his loving wife Phyllis at his side. Leo was a resident of the Clarkfield Care Center for five years where he received loving care. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis of 68 years and his children: Daughter, Sharon (Wes) Husby and their children: Chad (Kristi) Husby, Kim (Joe) Flattum and Shelly (Todd) Larson; Son, Daryle (Sue) Toft and their children: Sean (Jody) Toft and Nikki (Josh) Sakry; Daughter, Joyce (Pat) McCoy and their children: Teresa Steffen, Katie (Joe) Meyer, Kristin (Todd) Broich and Dillon (Jess) McCoy. He is also survived by 22 great grandchildren; sister, Alma Scherbart; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Olaf and Ragna Toft; brothers: Gordon and Kenny; and sisters: Olga Cass and Alene Lindahl. Blessed be his memory. In Loving Memory of Leo O. Toft Visitation Saturday, November 16, 2013 ~ 5:00-7:00 p.m. Prayer Service 6:00 p.m. Clarkfield Lutheran Church, Clarkfield, Minnesota "Remembrances" by Kristin McCoy and Shelly Larson Funeral Service Sunday, November 17, 2013 ~ 2:00 p.m. Clarkfield Lutheran Church, Clarkfield, Minnesota Clergy Officiating, Pastor Chris Zuraff Scripture Readings by Cody Husby Reading of Obituary by Teresa Steffen "For My Grandpa" by Kim Flattum Organist, Charlann Anspach Congregational Hymns "The Old Rugged Cross" "How Great Thou Art!" Recessional Music "The Little Brown Church in the Vale" Special Music "Jesus Loves Me" by Great Grandchildren Honorary Casket Bearers (granddaughters) Kim Flattum ~ Shelly Larson ~ Teresa Steffen Nikki Sakry ~ Katie Meyer ~ Kristin Broich Casket Bearers (grandsons) Chad Husby ~ Sean Toft ~ Dillan McCoy Larry Toft (nephew) (friends) Merald Borg ~ Earl Craig Final Resting Place Clarkfield Lutheran Cemetery, Clarkfield, Minnesota Military Rites J. Ben Johnson Post 169 Clarkfield and Active Military Unit (St. Cloud) Taps by Katie Meyer Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota