Leonard Drietz, age 79, of Porter, MN passed away on Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at the Sanford Canby Medical Center, Canby, MN. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, June 3, 2019 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Canby. Burial will be at St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. Prayer Service on Sunday, June 2, 2019 at the Houseman Funeral Home, Birk Chapel of Canby. Visitation will resume Monday one hour prior to the service at the Church.
Leonard Joseph Drietz was born December 4, 1939 to John and Mamie (Knofczynski) Drietz on their farm in Alta Vista Township. He graduated from Canby High School in 1958. While in high school, he helped on Gaston Vlaminck’s farm. After graduation, he worked as a mechanic at Geiwitz and Company in Minneota, MN.
On December 28,1959, he was united in marriage to Jane Brewers at St. Eloi Catholic Church in Ghent, MN. This union was blessed with nine children. In 1962, they started farming and made their home south of Canby where they raised their family on a dairy farm. He sold the dairy cows in 2004 but continued living on the farm and raising beef cattle. His passion for farming was extended by working alongside his son John. He enjoyed polka music, playing cards with friends, horse shows, tractor pulling, restoring old cars to drive in parades and spending time with his children and grandchildren. Leonard was a long-time member of St Peter’s Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. In addition, he was a board member of the Canby DAC and a supervisor on the Alta Vista Township Board. He was also a founding member and president of the Porter Traildusters Saddle Club. Leonard’s genuine smile and love of a little lunch along with a good visit will always be remembered. He loved making new friends and sharing a bit of his knowledge along the way. His faith, strong work ethic and his ability to find something good in everyone always showed through.
Leonard passed away unexpectedly, May 29, 2019. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Jane; children: Lynda (Mike) Martin, Oak Grove, MN, Steve (Lisa) Drietz, Baxter, MN, Karen (Bill) Tschida, Waconia, MN, Mary Kay (James) Palmer, Glenwood, MN, John (Amy) Drietz, Porter, MN, Pam (Chad) Olsen, Hendricks, MN, Alison Drietz (McKeon), Bemidji, MN, and Greg Drietz, Spirit Lake, IA; 23 grandchildren: Thomas, Jack, Lucy and Tyler Martin, Jacob and Hannah Drietz, Patrick, Emily and Nick Tschida, Evan Palmer, Grace, Sam and Ben Drietz, Josie, Claire, Ellie, Charlie and Nora Olsen, Leo and Will McKeon; brothers: Clarence (Margaret) Drietz, Jarroll Drietz, David (Diane) Drietz as well as many nieces and nephews.
Waiting to greet him in Heaven are his parents John and Mamie; brother, Donald and beloved daughter, Diane. Blessed be the memory of Leonard Drietz.
