Hollie Leagjeld

Hollie Cletus Leagjeld was the Builder of Families, Communities and Homes. Hollie was born the second of 13 children on November 3rd, 1921 in Long Prairie, Minnesota. After serving as a Chief Petty Officer in World War II, he and his wife, Margaret, came home to Amboy, Minnesota where they raised their four children, where Margaret taught school and where Hollie took on many jobs in the community. He and Margaret were married for 50 years before her death. In those 50 years their home was the gathering place for both of their large families.As a young family man he bought a building on Main Street in Amboy, he built counters, booths and an apartment above it which created The Main Street Inn Restaurant, a gathering place for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for everyone in town. For over 30 years he worked in the Post Office, first as clerk and then as a rural mail carrier who traveled over 100 miles a day, 6 days a week, and he watched out for those along the route who were ill or elderly or anyone who needed a barn or house painted. He was thanked throughout the year, but especially on Christmas, with abundant gifts of chickens and eggs, candies and baked goods.After retirement he began to build houses in Amboy and Mankato. During those busy years he was one of the major home builders in the area. He also developed many friendships with carpenters, painters, realtors and especially the families who lived in those homes.As a second retirement adventure he started the Minnesota Valley Savings and Loan Bank in Mankato which was the first "stock owned" Savings & Loan in Minnesota. He not only served as it''s President and Chairman of the Board for several years but he also built the desks, counters, laid the flooring, and put in the vault and drive up window. In this position he brought together a remarkable group of investors and community leaders to build a bank that was the first of its kind in Minnesota.During these busy years he also held leadership positions in two Presbyterian Churches as Clerk of Session and Elder. He also held the state office of Moderator of Presbytery and drove many miles to help introduce young ministers and their families to their new churches.He was an active member of the Lions and Commercial Club and helped to bring new businesses and youth organizations to the community.His most enjoyable and rewarding work was in the time he spent every week visiting those in his communities who couldn''t get out and about.Hollie was preceded in death by his first wife, Margaret; his parents Evie Parker and Louie Leagjeld; two brothers, Glen and Donny; and three sisters Oma, Shirley, and Bonnie.After Margaret''s death he felt very blessed to meet another special woman and to marry again. He and Shirley Ringler were married in 1996. Their family now included Shirley''s three children and her grandchildren. They created a warm and welcoming home in rural Winnebago. They enjoyed their trip to Alaska and their friends from Farmer''s Club and church actiivties.He is survived by his wife Shirley, four children, Mary Margaret Leach, Mark Leagjeld and wife Pat, Lisbeth Leagjeld; and Jennifer Pederson and fiance Andrew Templin; three step-children, Melissa Engelhart, David Ringler, and Catherine Lee; 11 grandchildren; 6 step-grandchildren; and 9 great grand children.He will be greatly missed by his family and his many friends.