Leander Walz, age 88 of Mahnomen, MN, died Saturday, January 3, 2009 at Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home.

Leander Bernard was born on October 27, 1920 to Math and Elizabeth (Laubach) Walz in Clover Township in rural Mahnomen, MN. Growing up, he attended Uran Country School in Clover Township.
As a young adult, Leander worked for farmers in the Crookston, MN area. On January 24, 1942 he was united in marriage to Lucille Teuber at the Cathedral in Crookston. In 1944, Leander entered the United States Army where he served as a medic. Upon an honorable discharge in 1946, Leander made his home east of Mahnomen and began farming in Beaulieu Township. Agriculture played an important role in Leander's life. Whether it was tending to his hogs and dairy cattle or raising small grains, his love for farming proved evident in all that he did. Never really retiring from a life he loved; Leander continued working and found joy in taking care of his horses. He had very recently moved into the Mahnomen Health Center. A gifted wood worker, Leander spent countless hours crafting items with attention and detail given to each piece. Whether it was a rocking chair, train set or stroller - his wood working ability shone through with every item. He also loved to work with his horses and rebuilding his buggies, sleds & sleighs. In addition to being a past member of the township board, Leander was also a life member at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. A gentle and kind man, he took great care of his family and will truly be missed.

Leander is survived by six sons: Gerald (Karen) Walz, Duluth, MN; Lee Walz, Albany, NY; Raye (Marie) Walz, of Kendall WI; Dean (Diane) Walz, of Mahnomen; Darrell Walz, Beaulieu; and Russell (Sherry) Walz, also of Mahnomen, MN; brother, Cyril (Ruth) Walz, Ridgefield, WA; sister, Priscilla Vendola, Lyndhurst, NJ; 11 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lucille; son, Ronald; his parents, three brothers: Elmer Walz, Leroy Walz and Ervin Walz, and one sister, Delores Walz.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, January 9, 2009 at 2 pm at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Beaulieu, MN. Visitation will be held Thursday, January 8th from 5-7 pm with a prayer service at 6:30 pm at the Anderson~Mattson Funeral Home, Mahnomen. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to mass at the church.
Burial will be in the St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Beaulieu.