Leo Westerlund, 94 passed away on Sept. 30, at the New Brighton Care facility.

Leo was born in Superior, Wis., and raised on a farm near Cromwell, Minn.

He was an exceptional student and an avid reader. Leo attended Northwestern University in Chicago and later graduated from the U of M where he studied chemistry, electrical engineering and business administration. He served honorably in the U.S. Army Signal Corp in the South Pacific and Korea during World War II.

Leo spoke often about the events that shaped his life, the War, the Great Depression and most of all, his Finnish heritage. His family was what mattered most to him. We will miss his kind, gentle and patient ways.

Leo is survived by his wife of nearly 58 years, Anna Mae, "Annie"; sons, Tommy and Robert (Eileen); daughters, Mary Ellen (Richard) Strauss and Carol; and a granddaughter, Gina Marie Strauss. In addition he is survived by his brother, George and sister, Margaret (Doug) Sewall both of Cromwell.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, 2008 in St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Esko.