Leonard J. Pexa, 80

Leonard J. Pexa, age 80, of New Prague died peacefully, with family by his side on Saturday, May 25, 2019 at Reflections, Three Links Care Center, Northfield, MN.
Leonard was born October 5, 1938 in Helena Township, Scott County, MN to Wencel “Jim” Pexa and Bessie (Kadrlik) Pexa. He was raised in the St. Patrick area and attended District 47 Elementary School, St. Wenceslaus School, and graduated in 1956 from New Prague High School.
Leonard served in the Army, and then worked in construction before marrying Carol A. Preisen on July 7, 1962, at St. Mary's of the Purification in Marystown. Together they moved to their first farm near St. Patrick. Leonard eventually returned to construction as a labor foremen before purchasing a farm near Heidelberg in 1972, where they lived, raised their family and ran the dairy farm until they sold the cows in 1986. Leonard went to work as a scale operator at Certainteed until his retirement.
Leonard was a Fourth Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus, and a member of the New Prague American Legion. He served as Clerk for Lanesburgh Township for 25 years, and was a founding member of the Heidelberg Athletic Association.
After 48 years of marriage, Leonard lost the love of his life when Carol died on October 31, 2009. After a few years alone, Leonard found happiness again when he met and married Diane (Dvorak) Hertaus on January 21, 2012. Leonard and Diane moved to “town” and enjoyed spending time with family and friends.
A devoted husband, loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Leonard was a man of faith and family. He served his church and community and was known for telling jokes and spinning stories. Leonard had a head for numbers and loved playing cards. He relished card night with the boys, bridge with the ladies and a pickup game of euchre or cribbage with just about anyone. Leonard was a talented grillmaster and many have been lucky to savor one of Leonard’s perfectly-seasoned “tasters” straight from the grill. Leonard had a rich voice and a deep memory, often spontaneously singing songs from years gone by.
Leonard is survived by his loving wife Diane; children Doreen (Paul) Seurer of New Prague, Ron (Michelle) Pexa of New Prague, Jim (Kay) Pexa of New Prague, Mary (Jeff) Blaschko of Shakopee; siblings, Angie Singer of Bloomington, Marian (Don) Rud of Bloomington, Allen Pexa of Deer River; sister-in-law Helen Pexa of New Prague; Diane’s children and their families Bill & Annie Hertaus of Veseli, Ron & Lisa Hertaus of New Prague, Renee & Randy Wawrzyniak of Glencoe, Alan & Kerrie Hertaus of Le Sueur; 21 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife Carol; and two brothers George and Dan.

Visitation will take place Tuesday from 4 - 8 PM and Wednesday morning from 7:30 - 9:15 AM at Bruzek Funeral Home (610 E. Main St., New Prague).

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday May 29, 2019 at 10:00 AM at St. Wenceslaus Church, New Prague with Fr. Kevin Clinton officiating. Eulogy will be delivered in church at 9:45 AM. Burial at St. Scholastica Cemetery in Heidelberg. Lunch will follow at the KC Hall in New Prague.

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