Delores "Dee" Jean Leonard

Delores Jeanne (Dee) Leonard was born the oldest of three children to Violet and Herb Kurth in Windsor Township (Wheaton) in Traverse County in western Minnesota near the South Dakota border on May 2, 1938. She was big sister to Larry and Marilyn. Dee was raised in Columbia Heights. She also lived in Mankato, St Paul, St Paul Park, So St Paul and Pine City (Pokegama Lake). Dee worked as a waitress at the YMCA in St Paul, at a Meat Packing Plant, Buckbee Mears, Brockway Glass, a nursing home, the Ford Assembly Plant, and as a School Bus Driver for Dist 833. She also delivered Meals on Wheels while living in So. St Paul. Dee was married three times, widowed twice. She spent her last 5 years with her very special friend, Red. She raised three children, Jeff, and twins, Kathie and Karen. Dee was an accomplished artist. Her art started while in school, was put aside to raise her family and taken up again after her second husband passed away. She used oil, acrylics and then completed college classes to learn more about water colors. She then moved to what's called water media. Dee had many successes with her art. Not only the awards, but with the many friends she made and knowledge and technique she passed onto others. She took her artwork to shows and craft fairs all over Minnesota. She received numerous awards for her works. Blue ribbons, Best in Shows, and honorable mentions. She also had many works hang in galleries and businesses around Minnesota. She displayed and sold her artwork mostly on the north shore of Minnesota. She sometimes traveled extensively to paint; the north shore of Lake Superior, Mexico, and even England. There were many things she enjoyed besides her art. Camping and canoe trips with friends, gardening, bargain shopping, always creating new ways to display her "finds". She liked fishing, water skiing, boating, activities with her children, grand and great grand children, family get togethers, bocce ball tournaments (summer & winter!), dancing, going to paint outs, coffee with her bus driver friends, being part of the Red Hatters of the local area. She enjoyed 4-wheeling and snowmobiling. She most loved to be on the lake either on the pontoon or on the deck. She loved sunrises and sunsets and the many moods of the lake. Dee made many friends over the years in every aspect of her life. She would want to be remembered for the love and laughter she gave to all she met. She leaves behind her brother, Larry (Joan) Kurth, sister, Marilyn Haar, both of Blaine, MN. Son, Jeff (Pam) Peterson of Stacy, MN. Daughters, Kathie (Andy) Riehs of Glenwood, MN and Karen (John) Jeffers of So St Paul. Her grand children, Jeremy Scherer, Erin Sholtz , Amber Nordsving, Audrey Lascelles and Luke Darnauer, Seth Peterson. Several nieces and nephews, step-children, step grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Her first husband, Larry (Laurie) Peterson of Stacy, MN. And also her very special friend, Amos (Red) Peterson of Pine City. She was preceded in death by her parents, Violet and Herb Kurth, her second husband, Bert Costales, and third husband, William Leonard. Funeral services were held at 2 pm April 23, 2010 at Pine City Evangelical Free Church, Pine City, MN with Pastor Brad Reis of Forest Lake, MN officiating. Music for the service was provided by Cal Price, Joni Peterson and Jenny Peters. A tribute to Dee was given by grand daughter, Amber Nordsving. A photo and music video was provided by Scott Jeanson and daughter, Kathie Riehs. Casket Bearers included John Jeffers, Scott Menz, Luke Darnauer, Jeremy Leonard, Iver Peterson, and Aaron Peterson. Honorary bearers were Billy Leonard and Joey Leonard. Interment will be at Birchwood Cemetery of Pine City, MN later this month.