Leonard Eischens, 92

Leonard P. Eischens, age 92, of St. Benedict, died peacefully, surrounded by his family on Friday, July 20, 2018 at his home.  Leonard was born on September 1, 1925 in Helena Township to Adam M. and Ruth (Beckius) Eischens.  He was raised in the St. Benedict area, where he attended country school and graduated from New Prague High School.  He entered the U.S. Army, served in WWII, and fought in the Battle of the Bulge.  He married Verna A. Giesen on September 5, 1959 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Union Hill and the couple made their home on a farm west of St. Benedict, where they raised their seven children.  Leonard farmed and worked as a carpenter for 35 years with Carl M. Hanson and belonged to the carpenters union for 70 years.  He was a dedicated woodworker, practicing his craft from the forest to the finished product; he had his own sawmill and dryer and made horse-drawn buggies, Adirondack chairs, and furniture.  Leonard loved baseball and played for the St. Benedict Saints for many years.  Fishing, hunting, and card playing rounded out his interests but the most enjoyment for him came in spending time with his family and his precious grandchildren.

Leonard is survived by his wife, Verna of St. Benedict; children, Wendy (Pete) Scheffler of Granite Falls, Gail Eischens-Minnick of St. Benedict, Stuart Eischens of Belle Plaine, Amy (Mark) Gillen of Savage, Penny Eischens of Savage, Scott (Alicia) Eischens of St. Benedict; grandchildren, Kate, Angie, & Maggie Scheffler, Taylor & Cole Minnick, Michael, Steven, & Lindsey Gillen, Allie, Nolan, Lexi, & Adam Eischens; brothers, Myron (Ann) Eischens, Gordon (Margie) Eischens; sisters, Marion Grosz, Aurea (Albert) Zweber, Arlene Dagnault, Alda (Don) Cosgrove, Karen Feldten.  He is preceded in death by his daughter, Deborah Eischens; son-in-law, Tom Minnick; parents; brother, Harold Eischens; sisters, Genevieve Eilen, Bernieva Nelson and infant sister, Elaine..

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, July 24, 2018 at 10 AM at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church with nephew, Father Allen Eilen officiating.  Visitation will take place Monday from 4-8 pm and Tuesday morning from 7:30 – 9:30 am at Bruzek Funeral Home.  Burial will occur at St. Benedict Cemetery, where military honors will be conducted.  Lunch will follow at the KC Hall. bruzekfuneralhome.com