David James Leonhard Sr.

David (Dave) James Leonhard Sr., 66, of Effie, MN, passed away in his home on January 25th, 2025.

Dave was born on March 18th, 1958 to Audrey and Arvin Leonhard in Marshfield, Wisconsin, though he spent the majority of his life in Minnesota.

Dave was a charismatic, hard working, do-it-yourselfer who was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Dave had many hobbies including maple syrup processing, fishing, camping, singing/dancing, and woodworking. He loved spending quality time with his children and grandchildren whenever possible.

Dave had many professions over the years including; farming, construction, truck driving, and he retired as a logger for Scheff Logging Company. Dave spent his free time building “Picker’s Paradise”, where he sold many antiques and various trinkets. He was also an avid nightcrawler salesman.

Dave is preceded in death by his father Arvin A. Leonhard, mother Audrey Leonhard, brothers Wayne Leonhard, Joseph Leonhard, Mike Whitcome, sisters, Lisa Leonhard, Nancy Struensee, and Melody Jackson.

Dave is survived by two sisters, Sandra (Bill) Nyre, and Mellisa (Jeffrey) Keith, and four brothers, Arvin Leonhard Jr., Mark (Pam) Leonhard, Timothy Leonhard, and Brian Leonhard. He is also survived by his four children, David (Loralie) Leonhard Jr., Theresa (Aaron) Ridolf, Ivy (Samuel) Westensee, Jesse (Kaylee Jetland) Leonhard, and grandchildren, David Leonhard III & Aurora Field, Sawyer & Stella Ridolf, Oakley Maxwell, a soon to be born granddaughter to Ivy and Sam Westensee, many nieces and nephews, and many of his loving ex-wives.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Dave at a later date this summer, followed by a private spreading of his ashes.

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