"Back in the 60?s my wife and I rented the second floor apartment in Leo and Joan?s house in Winona. I could always count on Leo to help me with my car problems. Leo was amongst the best of the best as a father to his children and husband to Joan and a friend. Having moved to Houston, TX in the 7?0?s kept me from visiting with Leo an Joan but when I did come back to Minnesota I made sure to include a stop to visit with Leo. Our last visit was in 2017 and I?m thankful that we were able to talk about our life when I lived there and I will be forever grateful for our friendship."
In loving memory of
Leo T. McKenna
April 17, 1936 - February 11, 2018
It is with great sadness that the family of Leo Thomas McKenna Jr., 81, of Winona, MN announces his passing on Sunday, February 11, 2018. He had the good fortune to pass peacefully at home in his sleep of natural causes.
Leo was born April 17, 1936 in New Lisbon, WI to Leo T. McKenna Sr. and Eunice (Olson) McKenna. He graduated from Caledonia High School in 1954 and joined the United States Army. Leo was stationed in Germany and Paris, France. Upon return to the states, Leo married Joan Irene (Schomers) McKenna in 1958. Together they raised four children - Lisa, Linda, Tom and Mary Jo in Winona, MN. He worked hard to provide for his family at Firestone LaCrosse and Winona along with Nelson Tire-Brad Ragan Tire/Good Year in Winona for many years, retiring in 1997. He always said, "All they will see is the smile on your face and the shine on your shoes".
Leo enjoyed working on cars and spending time in his garage. He was gifted with the ability to fix anything and generously helped anyone in need. Leo's policy was, "The back door is always open, come on in and help yourself." Leo was a master story teller, loved to dance, sing, whistle, and feed the neighborhood squirrels. He also enjoyed his daily trip to either Bloedow's or Bread and Bagel bakeries. He was a member of the world record setting Flatliners Car Club, the Antique Automobile Association, Winona Area Jaycees, the Elks Club, and St. Mary's Catholic Church.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Joan McKenna,three daughters, Lisa (Bruce) Myers of Burnsville, MN, Linda (Derek) Rydholm of Key Largo, FL, and Mary Jo McKenna Brummer of Winona, MN; daughter-in-law, Sherri (Hartzell) McKenna of Zimmerman, MN; grandchildren, Ross (Rachel), Jordan, Alyssa Myers, Meagan (Ridge) Belflower, Alex Rydholm, Madeline, Samantha and Morgan McKenna Brummer; great-grandchildren, Elijah Coyne, Aidan Belflower and baby boy Belflower- due in April; sisters, Mary White, and Jean Rogers; numerous nieces, nephews, and his beloved cat, Romeo. He is preceded in death by his parents and his son, Thomas Leo McKenna.
There will be a Celebration of Leo's life on Saturday, February 24, 2018 at the American Legion Leon J. Wetzel Post beginning with a prayer service at 2:00PM, led by Father James Berning, followed by Military Honors. The celebration and reception will then follow immediately after and continue until 5:00PM.
Hoff Celebration of Life Center - Goodview is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share a memory of Leo, sign his online guestbook and view his video tribute when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com.
Tributes
"?We miss you Leo. Dad. You remain, as always, very close to our hearts. Our life together is how you would want it to be, wonderful! We are so thankful you were a part of both our lives, a great part. All our love to you Dad Mary Jo and Steve?? "
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"So very sorry for your loss"
"Sending our deepest sympathy and hugs, Kenny and Sue Hartzell "
"Leo was a wonderful friend to my parents and entire family. I'll always remember him as a very kind and fun loving person. He was one of the good ones and will be missed by many. "
"Leo was a wonderful friend that we loved spending time with, Leo took the time to show us around his loved Winona when we visited, and it was a wonderful tour.He was loving , good and kind to us, And he will be missed by all that knew him.. He was a one of a kind guy. "
"Rest in Peace Leo, you never gave up on me. Now your soaring with the Eagles, free as a bird, and up there with the Tom's. I will never forget your kindness and gentle demeanor. Fond memories and the best of times have and will, live with me forever. ** Joanie, Lisa, Linda & Mary Jo things will never be the same for you and my heart will be right there with you forever. Some of my most cherished childhood memories were born with you's.
My sincere sympathy, and love to you, Amy"