Joseph Henry Leisen
Joseph Leisen was born in Wabasha, MN to Joseph and Julia (Stroot) Leisen on May 24, 1932. He was raised on a farm east of Kellogg and died in his home south of Plainview on April 21, 2020 at the age of 87.
Joe was a U.S. Army veteran serving as an aircraft engine mechanic in Yokohama Japan, Zama Base during the Korean War. He attended agricultural school at the U of M. Joe met his true love, Regina Kramer at the Pla Mor Ballroom. They were united in the Sacrament of Marriage on September 19, 1957 in St. Aloysius Church in Elba, MN. In 1960, the couple moved to the present Leisen farm where Joe and Regina farmed dairy and grain with Joe’s brother Bill and his wife Muriel. There was always plenty of work, fun, and excitement as the two families raised their 20 children.
Joe and Regina belonged to St. Joachim Catholic Church. They enjoyed square dancing with the Whitewater Whirlers and playing 500 with their good neighbor friends. Joe was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He served as a board member of High Plains Cooperative for 24 years. He was always reading farming magazines to keep up with the latest agricultural trends and technology, wanting to be the best steward of the land for which he was entrusted to care for. A farmer to the end, Joe drove the combine for the 2019 corn harvest. He loved tomatoes from the garden and Regina’s homemade apple pie.
Joe is survived by his children Ann (Paul) Kreiser, Vadnais Hts, Julie (Mark) Lemke, Shoreview, Alan (Janet) Leisen, Plainview, Bob Leisen, Plainview, Tom (Thea) Leisen, Plainview, Mary (Dewey) Lenz, Marshfield WI, Rich (Monica) Leisen, Duval WA, Kathy (Joe) Ellefson, Marshfield WI, Jenny (Jeff) Brosz, Shakopee, and Carol (Barrett) Olk, Eden Prairie. Grandchildren Aaron, Molly, Jack, Jan, Dominic, Alana, Andrea, Erin, Elliott, Emma, Ben, Bridget, Johanna, Lukas, David, Jackson, Cole, Drew, Trey, Carson, Lauren, Ryan, and Allison, great-grandchildren Nadia, Sasha, and Marina, brothers Vince (Karen) Leisen, Dubuque IA, Richard (Rhea) Leisen, Dubuque IA. He is preceded in death by his wife Regina, brother Bill, and sisters Mary Catherine Holst, Eileen Grindeland, and Janet Marini.
A private burial is at St. Joachim Catholic Cemetery in Plainview.
Schad & Zabel Funeral Home in Plainview is assisting the family with arrangements.
