Leonard Herman Gerhardt

Leonard was born July 20, 1921 on a farm near Kipling, SK. He married Loretta Jordens on November 3, 1948 and together they raised eleven children.  He died peacefully, surrounded by family, September 21, 2012 in Moose Jaw, SK. As a young man he worked in the lumber industry then ventured into farming. The family moved numerous times until the purchase of his dream property in the Qu’Appelle Valley in 1962. They lived and successfully farmed for many years and lived in the valley until moving to Moose Jaw in 2006. The connection to the valley gave him deep pleasure.  He kept that connection by continuing to spend time at the cabin at Crooked Lake when he could. Leonard was an innovative farmer and a dedicated community man.  He was active for many years in the Knights of Columbus, National Farmers’ Union, Saskatchewan Wheat Pool, Qu’Appelle Valley Water Authority Board and other organizations. Some of his hobbies included curling, cribbage, bridge and other card games as well as visiting neighbors as a Watkins dealer.  He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed seeing his clan in action. He was also passionate about wood working and left a keepsake of his craft for each child. Leonard had a fun-loving spirit whose hearty laugh and smiles were contagious. His strong love of God, family and friends meant that the door was always open to all.   He always took time to share good conversation, a crib game, a coffee or a toast. Leonard was predeceased by his wife Loretta (2010) and daughter Carol (1980); his parents John and Ottilie; brothers Bill, Art, August, Elmer and sisters Alma, Martha and numerous sisters and brothers in-law. He leaves to celebrate his life: 10 children – Brian (Lorraine), Brenda (Randy), Lenora(Jerry) Morhart, Dave (Myra), Joe (Cheryl), Marie (Renee), Rosie (Ken) Ottenbreit, Bernard(Cathy), Michael (Janice), Julie (Bill); 27 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Parish, Grayson, SK on Friday, September 28, 2012 at 11:00 am.