Mary Lynn (Nelson) Leonard

In Loving Memory Of

Mary Leonard

Mary Leonard, 72, of Currie, Minnesota (Lake Shetek) passed away peacefully on September 5, 2023, in Minneapolis with her loving family supporting her until the very end after a four-year battle with cancer.  Mary was born and raised in Walnut Grove by her parents Emanuel and Helen Nelson. Being the last born of her four sisters Delores, Patty, and Sandy, she mostly enjoyed the spoiled life of an only child at home. During her education at Walnut Grove High School, Mary led a vibrant social life with her friends, meeting her future husband, Gerry Leonard. Upon graduation in 1969, Mary lived a short time in Minneapolis working in an insurance agency and living with friends before returning to Walnut Grove.  In 1971, Mary and Gerry wed shortly after Gerry returned from serving in Vietnam. Just a year later, they welcomed their first of three children, Nick. Laura and Andy followed every two years after. The family lived in Walnut Grove and at Lake Shetek while the kids were in school. Mary worked at the Post Office in Tracy all while attending the many activities of her kids, rarely missing a sporting event, concert, play, or any of the other many activities in which the family participated.  Mary rose to become Postmaster with the U.S. Post Office heading offices throughout SW MN and Central MN, taking them to Cold Spring for several years before retiring back on Lake Shetek. Proud of her service, she regularly participated in her Postmaster conventions throughout the U.S. where she made many life-long friendships. Mary kept this busy schedule but still prioritized attending the many activities of her five grandchildren, even when it required her to travel hours.  Mary brought joy to whatever she did. She loved sports playing softball, volleyball, pickle ball, and golfed up to the month before her passing. A voracious reader and expert card and games player, she enjoyed diving into a book as much as gathering with her many friends and family. Mary’s verve for life traveled with her on her trips throughout the U.S. and in Europe, visiting “study-abroad son” Stefan Ledent in Belgium and beyond. Often the life of the party, Mary embraced old and new friends dancing, joking, and lighting the room with her kindness and positive energy wherever she went.

Mary will forever be missed and loved by her husband of 52 years, Gerry; children Nick (John) Leonard-Mason, Laura (Mike) Olsen, and Andy (Stacie) Leonard; five grandchildren Ethan Leonard, Derek Olsen, Noah Leonard, Madeline Olsen, and Ali Leonard; sister Sandy Anderson; and many others. She was greeted in heaven by her parents, in-laws Thomas and Lorraine Leonard, sisters Delores (Bud) Sell and Patty (John) Hansen, and brothers-in-law Butch Anderson and Harold Leonard. She will be missed by many.

Memorial Service

IHM Church in Currie, MN on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. Peter Schuster officiating.  The organist is Patty LeClaire.  The song leader is LoAnn Hansen.  Interment will be Fort Snelling at a later time. 

Visitation will be on Monday, September 11, 2023, at IHM Church in Currie, MN from 4-6 p.m. and one hour prior to the services at the church on Tuesday.  To view online obituary and send condolences visit totzkefuneralhome.com.  In lieu of flowers the family is asking memorials to be directed to the American Cancer Society.

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