Leonard Zvanovec, 89
Leonard Zvanovec, 89, of Montgomery died at his home on October 9, 2017. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 13 at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Montgomery. Mass of Christian burial will begin at 11 a.m., with Father Victor Valencia officiating. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery.
Leonard was born March 4, 1928, on a farm near Lonsdale, to John and Mary (Kuchinka) Zvanovec. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1945 as a replacement for WWII veterans. He was honorably discharged after a two-year tour of duty, stationed in San Diego and Hawaii.
He married Irene Hanek of Veseli in 1950, and they had four children, Jan (Tom) Palumbo of Prior Lake, Robert (Deb) of Lakeville, Gary of Montgomery, and David (Michael) of Minneapolis. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Irene; children; eight grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren.
Leonard had a passion for farming his small farm east of Montgomery, also working side employment at Green Giant, McQuays, and the Rice County ASC Office. In his later years, his passion continued in gardening organic vegetables for his family. He worked his garden until one month prior to his death. Through it all, he remained a pessimistic Viking fan.
His associations included membership at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church and membership in the Montgomery American Legion Post #79. He served as Chairman of the ASC Committee from 1963-1966.
His musical talents were well known, playing a variety of musical instruments (all self-taught), including guitar, concertina, squeezebox, and keyboards. He passed on his love for music to his family. Musical participation was always a staple at family dinners, holidays, and special occasions. He was a vital part of the Czech Singers musical group, a local Bohemian group, which toured area summer festivals and county fairs.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy and Ambrose Duffney.
Military Honors will be provided by the Montgomery area Honor Guard.
Arrangements are with the Schoenbauer Funeral Home in Montgomery, On-line condolences may be left at www.schoenbauerfuneralhome.com. 507-357-6116.
