Leo William Stangler

Leo returned peacefully to God on Monday, February 17, after a recent illness. He is survived by the love of his life and wife of fifty-three years Cheryl, his loving daughter and son-in-law Karin and John, and his cherished twin granddaughters Mary Jane (MJ) and Elizabeth (Betsy). Leo is also survived by his father-in-law Andy, his brother and sister-in-law Ed and Mary, his sister-in-law Giselle, his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Jeff and Maureen, and his beloved extended family, which included many nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren and treasured friends.

 Leo was born in Waseca, Minnesota, on October 6, 1938, to Edward and Lillian (Wesely) Stangler. He loved growing up on the family farm with his brothers Jerome, Lawrence and Ed and his twin sister Lorraine. Leo grew up active in 4H and in later years was a member of the Knights of Columbus and became the unofficial “Mayor of Third Street” at Voyager RV Park in Tucson, Arizona. He loved playing cards -- any time, any place, any game -- with family and friends throughout his life.

 Leo touched many lives over the thirty-six years he taught and more than fifty years he painted houses. He often ran into former students and could always tell them exactly where they sat in his classroom; these students always remembered the projects in Mr. S’s class, especially the food tasting unit, and having “smart pills.”

 Leo’s funeral Mass will take place on Thursday, June 5, at 10:30 a.m. at Nativity of Mary Catholic Church in Bloomington, Minnesota, beginning with a visitation at 9:45 a.m. Burial will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Calvary Cemetery in Kilkenny, Minnesota. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Leo’s name can be made to Tunnels to Towers or St. Jude’s Hospital for Children.

 Leo’s life was a wonderful example of how to love, how to live your faith, and how to be a good human being. We will miss him so much.