Leonard Allen Marks

Leonard “Lenny” Allen Marks age 58 of Milroy, MN formerly of New Ulm passed away on Thursday October 25, 2012 at his home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday October 30, 2012 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Milroy. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Monday October 29, 2012 with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. and will continue one hour prior to the service on Tuesday. Burial will be in the church cemetery following service. Online condolences may be placed at www.sunsetfuneralassociation.com. The Sunset Funeral & Cremation Association of Echo and Wabasso are handling the arrangements for the family. Leonard “Lenny” Allen Marks was born January 7, 1954 to Raphael “Ray” and Evelyn (Zajic) Marks on a farm in Westline Township, Redwood County, MN. He was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith and attended Milroy Public Schools, graduating from Milroy High School in 1972. On September 14, 1974, Lenny married Marlene Schmidt and they made their home in Wabasso, MN. He worked carpentry jobs for a few years, became a very successful salesman for the Kirby vacuum company, and, in time, opened his own business, the Vacuum and Sewing Center in New Ulm, MN. They moved to New Ulm in 1978 where they raised their family. Lenny and Marlene divorced in 1998. He remained in New Ulm until 2012 when he moved back to the family farm near Milroy, MN. Lenny was a past member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Milroy and Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New Ulm; he was also a member of Ducks Unlimited and Pheasants Forever. He loved being outdoors and cared about conserving wildlife habitat. He enjoyed hunting and fishing—for the sport as much as for the time spent outdoors watching wildlife. He also kept many family pets over the years. Besides the usual dogs and cats, Lenny raised pheasants for release back into the wild, skunks, ferrets, raccoons, and rabbits. He enjoyed gardening, cooking huge meals for family and friends, building things, story telling, and was an avid Vikings fan. His friends and family will always remember his selfless caring and giving to them and others, his sense of humor and playful nature, his hard working, independent spirit, and his dedication to his daughters. On Thursday, October 25, 2012 Lenny died at his home on the family farm by Milroy at the age of 58. Lenny is survived by his three daughters, Jeni (Aaron) Wittrock of Mankato, MN, Lisa (Destin) Marks Harrell of Cody, WY, and Rachel (Chad) Hillesheim of Mankato, MN; his mother, Evelyn Marks of Milroy, MN; seven brothers, Roger (Delores) Marks of Brainerd, MN, David Marks of Marshall, MN, Thomas Marks of Milroy, MN, Steven (Kathy) Marks of Northfield, MN, Jerald (Bonnie) Marks of Balaton, MN, James Marks of Tracy, MN, and Kenneth (Lynette) Marks of Detroit Lakes, MN; two sisters, Mary (Robert) Parsons of Fairbanks, AK, and Catherine (Nathan) Bennyhoff of Osseo, MN; as well as his dear friend Terry Blume of New Ulm, MN, many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, his dog, Toby, and his cat, Booger. His father Ray, two aunts, and five uncles preceded him in death. Blessed be his memory.