Leo Vincent Rothmeier

Leo Rothmeier, age 90, of Lynd, passed away on Saturday, May 2, 2009. Memorial services are scheduled for 10:30 AM on Thursday, May 7, 2009, at Grace First Parish in Russell. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 PM with a prayer service at 6:30 PM on Wednesday, May 6, at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service on Thursday, at the church. Burial will be in the Lynd City Cemetery. Military Honors are being provided by Marshall American Legion Post #113.
Leo Vincent Rothmeier was born on Thursday, September 12, 1918 on his parent’s farm near Atkinson, NE. He was the fourth Son, fifth Child of Michael and Bertha (Laune) Rothmeier. Leo’s Family moved to Sleepy Eye, MN when he was a young child. He lived on his Family farm until his Father death in November of 1924. Following his Father’s death his Family moved back to Nebraska. He attended School in Hebron, NE. In October of 1929 his Mother died leaving Leo and his Siblings orphaned.
Leo and his Brother Paul were placed in Father Flanagan’s Boys home in December of 1929 where they resided until April of 1930. Leo’s oldest Sister Tracy was able to take him into her home and Paul was placed with his Aunt in Lucan, MN. While living with his Sister Tracy and Uncle Ralph Cox they relocated several times throughout the U.S.
Leo was an adventurous soul and at the age of 17 he decided to head west, jumping trains to get there. He worked in Washington as a logger and also worked for a Rancher in California.
After living out west for a few years, Leo decided to make his way back to Minnesota to be near his Brother Paul. Leo often stated that of all the States he had been in Minnesota felt like home to him.
Leo enlisted into the Air Force in the spring of 1942. He proudly served for his Country until April of 1946. Leo’s rank was a Tech 5 Sgt. Major as an X-Ray technician and surgical assistant. While serving he worked in various Hospital’s in Colorado, Washington and California. While he was serving his first Son, Michael, was born.
When Leo was done serving his country he earned his pilots license. Leo’s greatest love in life was flying. Leo was a pilot for the Ryan’s Field airport. During his time of employment with the airport he also worked as a Manager at the Russell Coop.
On May 15, 1949 Leo was united in marriage to Edith Darlene Kooy in New London, MN.
Leo and Edith resided in Marshall with their five children. Leo was an active member of the Marshall Police Reserves along with the Marshall Archery Club which he was the Founder of. At one time, Leo took second place in the state archery tournament. In the spring of 1962 they moved to Lynd where they raised their Family.
Leo worked for the Metz Baking company as a route salesman from 1951 to 1981. After two years of retirement he went to work for the Schwan Food Company where he worked another 10 years.
Leo’s hobbies included flying, hunting, fishing, boating, camping, archery, reading, and riding motorcycles with his dog. He was also a proud member of the NRA, Republican Party, Toastmasters, Sportsman’s’ Club, Eagle’s Club, and American Legion. The high light of Leo’s life was traveling north each summer with his wife, children and Grandchildren in the old “Blue Goose”.
Eventually Leo and Edith bought a lake home in Northern Minnesota on Pelican Lake were they spent many happy summers fishing and boating with family and friends . Leo also shared his time with his many beloved dogs who were a large part of his life, and he also loved sharing stories about his many adventures and travels with his family and friends.
Leo died in a car accident on Sat May 4th at the age of 90 years, 7 months, and 20 days. He is survived by his six children; Michael (and Sandy) Rothmeier of Ruthton MN, Robert (and Toni) Rothmeier of Esko MN, Benda (and Richard) Sanow of Lynd MN, Rebecca (and Dennis) Guza of Lynd MN, William (and Julie) Rothmeier of Canyon MN, and Beth (and Larry) Blomme of Marshall MN; 18 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; sisters, Rita Wilcox of St. Paul, MN and Marion Beeter of Lake Villa, IL; special friend, Pauline Marcotte of Marshall, MN; and his faithful companion, “Rusty”.
He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Edith; parents, Michael and Bertha Rothmeier; twin granddaughters; sister, Tracy Bodeman; brothers, George, Bill, and Paul Rothmeier; nephew, Ralph “Sonny” Cox; and niece, Lee Cox.