Leroy Albert Lafrenz

Leroy Albert Lafrenz, 88 passed away on June 26, 2024, at Field Crest Care Center in Hayfield, MN. Leroy was born on March 28, 1936, in Cedar County, IA, the son of Albert and Margo (Pagels). His parents both immigrated from the Island of Fehmarn, Germany. Leroy was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Hayfield. Leroy grew up in Cedar County, IA and moved with his parents to Dexter, MN. He served in the United States Army from 1959 to 1961, stationed in Korea.

Leroy was married to Bonnie Peterson (Cummins) on May 7, 1983, in Mantorville, MN. They were married for 23 years until Bonnie’s death in 2006. Leroy has long had an affinity towards all things green and yellow, beginning his John Deere career at the age of 12 when he took apart and put back together a John Deere G tractor. Leroy and Bonnie had a farm outside of Dodge Center where he opened his own shop, continuing the work he had been doing as a mechanic for various implement shops in Hayfield, Kasson and Austin. He preferred working on John Deere machinery (of course) but showed his mechanical acumen by working on anything that was brought to him. He loved farming his small creage and was beloved by all, including stray animals that would somehow sense he was safe and show up at the farm, knowing they would be well cared for. Leroy always had something smart (alec) and interesting to say. He was always happy to provide coffee and something sweet to anyone who visited and enjoyed getting together with his fellow farming friends, especially if that meant a trip to the local café for pie and coffee. He had a great memory and could tell you the date, make, and model of any machinery he worked on for other farmers, and he kept that amazing recall and interest in the farming life to the end of his days.

Leroy is survived by his sister, Lorna Lauinger of Austin, MN; stepchildren, Debbie Peterson, and Linnea; Suzie (Steve Woslager) Peterson and David; Sheila (Dean) Gill; many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews; and brother-in-law Joseph McGee.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Margo; wife, Bonnie Lafrenz; three sisters, Eleanore Popp, Dorothy McGee and Alberta Lafrenz; two brothers-in-law, Robert Lauinger and Maurice Popp; and step grandchild, Emmett Leroy Vincent.

The memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 5, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 104 1st Street SE in Hayfield with visitation from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.  A luncheon will be served after the funeral service and a graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m. at the Fairview Cemetery in Hayfield, MN with military honors by the Hayfield American Legion Post #330.

To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.czaplewskifunteralhomes.com , Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes ~ 501 2nd Street NW, Hayfield, Minnesota. Leroy was truly beloved by all. Blessed be his memory.