Kenneth "Kenner" Leslie

Kenneth “Kenner” Floyd Leslie was born on May 9, 1936, in Staples, MN at home to Walter and Alice (Peterson) Leslie. Kenner attended and graduated from Staples High School. He loved sports from a young age and joined every sports team he could throughout his school years. Following his schooling, Kenner worked in the Iron Range in Hibbing, MN before marrying the love of his life.

Kenner was united in marriage to Joyce Smith on July 28, 1956, in Wadena, MN at the Methodist Church. The couple then moved to Minneapolis, MN where Kenner worked for the Northern Electric Supply Company. After a couple of years, the family made their home in the Alexandria area and Kenner started his 39-year career at Minnesota Electric Company. He was baptized as an adult in 1982 and became a member at New Life Christian Church in Alexandria. During his spare time, Kenner took great joy in working with the youth basketball program at Lincoln School for over 20 years, reffing games every Saturday. He also enjoyed playing in pick-up softball and basketball games well into his sixties. After his retirement, Kenner kept himself busy by helping both of his sons-in law with maintenance work.

Kenner’s three biggest joys in life were Jesus, his family, and sports. Ken loved Jesus and shared with others how they could experience everlasting life. After his son, Jeff, and his daughter, Jackie, were killed in a car accident, he and Joyce visited many homes thru the years to listen and grieve with other families whose children had experienced untimely deaths. Kenner often got to combine his joys of family and sports when he would be asked by the kids to play in the neighborhood football, basketball, or baseball games. Kenner also got to share his love of golf with his grandsons by teaching them the game. He golfed many courses over the years around central Minnesota with family and friends. One place you could be sure to find Kenner was in the stands at every basketball game, whether his kids were playing, or he was just enjoying the game. Kenner also treasured his bike/scooter rides with Joyce. They would ride for hours at a time whether it was around town or to other towns in the area.

Kenneth passed away on Saturday, June 4, 2022, at the age of 86, surrounded by his family. He will be dearly missed by his loving wife, of 66 years in July, Joyce; daughters: Brenda (Rick) Schoenrock and Diana (Jim) Swedberg; 6 grandchildren: Derek Swedberg, Brett (Seneca) Swedberg, Brady (Christa) Swedberg, Nikki Swedberg, Jeff Swedberg, and Tyler Schoenrock; 10 great-grandchildren; brother: Gene (Marge) Leslie; and sister: Ruthie (Bob) Neurenberger. He was preceded in death by his parents; baby daughter; son: Jeff; daughter: Jackie; brother: Roger; and sisters: Bonnie Johnson, June Faroul, and Lorraine Ringler.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, June 9, 2022, at New Life Christian Church in Alexandria, MN. Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM on Wednesday, June 8, 2022, at New Life Christian Church and one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Kinkead Cemetery in Alexandria, MN.

Memorials are preferred to Alexandria Cardinal Athletic Foundation or Knute Nelson Hospice.