Albert L. Leonard

Albert L. Leonard, Brainerd, Minnesota, died on November 10, 2020. A private celebration of Al’s Life will take place at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 28, 2020 at Nelson – Doran Funeral Home.  Pastor Mark Bjorlo will officiate.  A live streaming option will be available via the Nelson-Doran Funeral Home’s Facebook Page. (Please login to your Facebook Account.  LIKE the Nelson-Doran Funeral Home page.  About five minutes prior to the start of the service you will get a notification we are LIVE.)

Al was born at Brainerd, Minnesota on April 26, 1925 to Hattie (Thienes) and Benjamin Leonard. He grew up in the South Long Lake area. He joined the navy as a young man. While home on leave, he acquired his pilot’s license and his life-long love for flying began.  

In 1948, he married the love of his life, Marion “Bunny” Besmehn at South Long Lake Presbyterian Church. They made their home and raised their children, Gordon, Linda, Vicki, Cindy, and Debbie in Brainerd, MN. Al was a talented builder, welder, and salesman. He retired from Burlington Northern Railroad.  

Al enjoyed riding motorcycles, snowmobiling, fishing, and spending time with family. He also had quite the sweet tooth.  

Al is survived by his wife of 72 years Marion and their children Gordon (Maia), Linda (Tommy), Vicki (Jerry), Cindy (Kevin), and Debbie; dear family friend Cindy Yeager; sister-in-law Martha, and many well-loved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a great-great grandchild.  

He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings Ben, Bernice, and Maxine; and son-in-law Jeffrey Quam.

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