Leonard Brekke, 86, of Thief River Falls, MN died Saturday, January 19, 2008 at Thief River Care Center in Thief River Falls, MN.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM Wednesday, January 23, 2008 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Rev. John Voelker, Ph.D. officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery, in Norden Township, Pennington County, MN. Military honors will be provided by the American Legion Ecklund-Holmstrom Post #117 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #2793.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM Tuesday, January 22, 2008 with a 7:00 PM prayer service at Johnson funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN. Visitation will also be held for one hour prior to the funeral at church on Wednesday.

Leonard A. Brekke was born July 31, 1921 in Plummer, MN the son of Leonard O. Brekke and Ellna (Peterson) Brekke. Leonard was one of eleven children. He had 5 brothers, namely: Willmar, Joe, Donald, LeRoy, and Walter Brekke; 5 sisters, namely: Elayne Pahlen, Lillian Fournier, Ruth Perreault, DeLores Donarski and Marie Brekke.

Leonard was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. Leonard graduated from the Pershing High School in Plummer, MN in 1941. In 1942, Leonard joined the CCC before entering the army in 1942. Leonard entered the U.S. Army and received his basic training at Camp Crowder, MO. He was then transferred to Fort Dix in New Jersey where he was a high speed radio operator. He served there for a short time. He was shipped out to Camp Stoneman, CA and spent 2 years in the South Pacific where he was awarded three bronze stars. He was discharged from the service at Camp McCoy in November of 1945.

Leonard Brekke was united in marriage to Vivian Elaine Olson on June 7, 1947 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN. They continued to make their home in Thief River Falls. To this union two children were born, namely: Greg and Mark.

After Leonards discharge from the service, he was manager of the meat department at the Red Owl store in Thief River Falls for 2 years. In 1947, Leonard purchased the creamery in St. Hilaire and was owner/operator of the St. Hilaire Locker Plant for 38 years.

Leonard was a long time member of Trinity Lutheran Church and served on various committees within the church.

Leonard was an avid sportsman. He enjoyed fishing and many hunting trips. He played fast pitch softball for Bridgemans and was a long time member of Louie Carpenters baseball team. Leonard was a big fan of the Minnesota Twins and enjoyed many Twins games.

Leonard was a life time member of the American Legion, VFW, and Sons of Norway.

Leonard is survived by his wife, Vivian; son, Greg and his wife, Susan of Thief River Falls, MN and two granddaughters, Jessica and Stephanie Brekke; sisters, Lillian Fournier, Ruth Perreault, DeLores Donarski and brother, LeRoy Brekke.

Leonard was preceded in death by his son, Mark; his parents, Leonard O. Brekke and Ellna (Peterson) Brekke; four brothers, Willmar, Joe, Donald and Walter Brekke; and sister, Marie Brekke.

Special Music: Trinity Trio ~ Jay Forney, Mike Sorteberg, Rick Erickson & Julia Voelker
Congregational Hymns: Precious Lord Take My Hand & How Great Thou Art
Casketbearers: Randy Carpenter, Duane Nelson, Phil Torgerson, Dale Newton, Bob Wald and Jim Sorter
Honorary Casketbearers: Trinity Mens Prayer Group