Leroy Kaehler — Kasson

Leroy D. Kaehler, 63, of Kasson, beloved husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle and nephew passed away peacefully Friday, Dec. 18, 2015, at his home.

Leroy was the oldest of seven children to Joyce (Thompson) and Melvin Kaehler and was born in Wheaton in 1952. After graduating from Mayo High School, he moved with his family to North Dakota for a period of time only to return to the Rochester area. In 1982, he married Beverly Kuisle. Leroy was a skilled auto mechanic and had his own shop and tow truck business. He always enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He had a passion for the muscle cars of the1960s. As a hobby, he had a collection of these cars and also engaged in restoring and some racing of them. He and Beverly enjoyed traveling to regional car shows where Leroy's cars won numerous awards. He enjoyed the atmosphere and the sharing of information with people at the shows. In addition, Leroy also enjoyed traveling, listening to music (avid Elvis Presley fan), attending live performances as he was able and raising roses. Over the years, they also shared affection for their loyal dogs, "Dude" and "Krissy."

Leroy is survived by his wife, Beverly; sisters, Ruth (Leonard) Noel, Fairmount, N.D., and Cathy (Curt) Nebben, Rutland,N.D.; brothers, Roland (Marilyn) Kaehler, Rochester, Dean Kaehler, Grand Forks, N.D., Craig Kaehler, Hunter, N.D., and Daren (Jessica) Kaehler, Breckenridge; daughters, Stephanie Morgan, Park River, N.D., and Audra (Jeremy) Smalley, Austin; 10 grandchildren, Aaron, Brianna, Casey, Emily, Faith, Georgia, Jaime, Kayla, Alisha and Coelee; paternal aunts, Donna and LaVonne; numerous nieces and nephews; and in-laws, Ralph Kuisle, Don (Pam) Kuisle, Dale (Karen) Kuisle, all of Byron, Rosemary (Tim) Schmerbeck, Mantorville, and Ken Lubahn, Oronoco.

Leroy was preceded in death by his parents and maternal aunts and uncles.

Leroy maintained his generous spirit and good sense of humor throughout his life and bravely faced his final illness. Leroy's family and friends will miss and fondly remember him.

Memorials can be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, which Leroy supported because of their philosophy that no child was turned away because they were not able to pay.

A Funeral Mass will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2015, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Kasson. Family visitation will be held in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home on Monday, Dec. 21, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday at the church. There will be a Rosary said on Monday at 7:30 p.m. at Macken Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Rochester's Calvary Cemetery under the direction of Macken Funeral Home.

Online condolences are welcome at mackenfuneralhome.com.