Leonard James Emmen, of Coon Rapids, was born on June 21, 1930, in Clara City, Minn., to Ulfert and Grace Emmen. He passed into Heaven on Nov. 30, 2025, after a year at Suite Living Assisted Living in Spring Lake Park.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Muriel, and his brothers John and Dennis, and sister Jeanette.
He is survived by children Ruth Denney Wood, Mary Emmen, and David Emmen; daughter-in-law Kelly Emmen, sons-in-law David Denney, Randy Wood, and Kevin Gilbertson; grandchildren Meredith Denney, Laurel Denney, Danna Gilbertson, Carlyn Stangle, and Madeline Gilbertson; and his first great-grandchild, Noelle Stangle, who is due in January.
He spent his working years as a Linotype machinist and Macintosh repair technician, retiring from the Minneapolis Star Tribune in 1997. Stationed in Germany during the Korean Conflict, Sgt. Emmen was honorably discharged in September 1953. He was very active in archery organizations, and also had a thriving bowstring business.
The funeral service will be Friday, Dec. 12, at noon at Presbyterian Church of the Master, 789 Northdale Blvd., Coon Rapids. Visitation at the church begins at 11 a.m., with lunch afterward.
Memorials preferred to Minnesota Veterans Outdoors, www.mnvetsoutdoors.org.
Arrangements by Gearhart Funeral Home 763-755-6300
www.GearhartFuneralHome.com
