Leroy Kasmaker

Leroy John Kasmaker was born September 7, 1934 in Osakis, MN, the son of John T. and Frieda (Wendlandt) Kasmaker. He grew up in Osakis where he graduated from high school. He went on to attend St. Cloud State, where he played football and studied architectural design and drafting. Leroy began working for Soo Line Railroad and often recalled the many colorful experiences he had while there. In 1957 Leroy joined the United States Army and served two years in Germany. He returned to Osakis in 1959. On October 14, 1959 Leroy was united in marriage to Jane Gray in Minneapolis, MN. Leroy went to work for Goodyear Tire and Rubber, and the couple made their home in Coon Rapids, MN, where they made many lifelong friends and had great times that they recalled often The couple was blessed with two children, Verne and Karen. Later Leroy went to work for Fairway Foods in St. Paul. In the mid 1970?s Leroy and Jane bought a cabin on Lake Osakis, and in 1977 Leroy left Fairway foods. They moved their family to Osakis, where they built a new home and he went to work for Luedtkes, which later became Henry?s Foods. Leroy enjoyed the outdoors. He fished and speared. Leroy also hunted all sorts of game from pigeons to deer and everything in between. Leroy also spent time outdoors collecting shells, rocks, butterflies and moths. Nature fascinated Leroy. He was also very creative and enjoyed woodcarving and woodworking. He carved canes, walking sticks, lamps and other unique craftwork. Leroy loved telling jokes, teasing and making people laugh. He liked to go dancing with Jane, and just spending time doing things together with her. Last October Leroy and Jane celebrated fifty years of love and marriage. On Thursday, January 28, 2010 Leroy died at the age of seventy-five years. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Frieda and his brother, Ruben Kasmaker. Leroy is survived by his wife, Jane, of Alexandria; one son, Verne Kasmaker and wife, Tina, of Alexandria; one daughter, Karen Dale, and husband, Paul, of Alexandria; five grandchildren, Justin Kasmaker, Danielle Kasmaker, Matthew Dale, Samantha Dale and Katherine Dale; one sister, Faye Maus and husband, Dwayne, of Osakis: and several nieces and nephews. A funeral service was held Monday, February 1, 2010 at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Reverend Greg Billberg officiated. Mertice Brueske and Karen Gladen provided music alone with loving members of the congregation. Casket bearers included Fred Edenloff, Pat McClain, Tom Blade, Lowell Collins, Bob Peterson and Wayne Benson. Honorary casket bearers include all of Leroy?s grandchildren. Military honors were provided by American Legion Post 87 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 936. Interment will be at a later date in the Gordon Pleasant Hills Cemetery near Osakis. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.