Marie Gertrude Leonard

Marie Gertrude Leonard, 91, of Proctor passed away peacefully surrounded by her family Thursday, April 6, 2017 at Diamond Willow Assisted Living in Proctor. She was born October 11, 1925 to Laurence and Bertha Kelley in Swatara, MN.

Marie graduated from Brainerd High School in 1943 and married the love of her life, Robert Leonard on July 21, 1945 in Brainerd. They were happily married for over 70 years.

In 1950 Robert and Marie moved to Proctor where they raised their eight children. She worked for St. Mary’s for many years where she eventually retired.

Marie enjoyed crocheting, knitting, and completing crossword puzzles. She was an active member of her Stich and Bitch Club, Women of the Moose, and the VFW Auxiliary.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; son, Joseph; granddaughter, Dina; son in law, Michael; three brothers; and two sisters.

Marie will be greatly missed by her children, Ruthann Carlson of Proctor, Robilynne Staudinger of Castle Rock WA, Susan Leonard of Esko, Bill Leonard of Thief River Falls, Trudy (Jeff) Gilbert of Hermantown, Dan (Deb) Leonard of Proctor, and Peggy (Rusty Hanson) Brumble of Esko; 20 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation: 1:00 until the 2:00 p.m. Memorial Service Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Proctor. Inurnment will be in Oneota Cemetery.

The family would like to thank all the staff at Diamond Willow “Arbor Rose” in Proctor and St. Croix Hospice for their wonderful care and support.

Please leave a memory of Marie or words of support for the family at www.bellbrothersfuneralhome.com .