Hugh S. Leslie

Hugh S. Leslie, 92, passed away on Thursday, October 1, 2015 from congestive heart failure at Meadow Lakes Senior Living in Rochester. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, October 5, 2015 at United Methodist Church, 507 1st Ave. NW in Byron.The Reverend Beth Perez will officiate.Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 5:00 pm Sunday, October 4th at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester and one hour prior to the service Monday at the church.A graveside service will be held in Luverne, MN at Maplewood Cemetery on Tuesday, October 6 at 1:00 pm. Hugh Sylvester Leslie was born August 7, 1923 to Earl and Ivy Fern (Story) Leslie on his familys farm in Rock County, MN.He grew up on the family farm and completed grades one through eight in a one room schoolhouse. Hugh went on to serve his country in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1945.He was stationed in Hawaii and was a member of the invasion of the Philippines.He was honorably discharged. Hugh met Mildred Young in person when she arrived by train in Faribault, MN after a few years of corresponding with letters.He immediately said, I am going to marry that girl! They were married six months later.Hugh and Millie were married 68 years.During their marriage they lived in Luverne, Byron and Rochester, MN. Hugh farmed, was employed by the Luverne Public Schools, built, owned and operated the Tastee Freeze in Luverne, MN and finished his working years at Rochester Community and Technical College. He enjoyed following all types of sports and teams, especially the Twins and Vikings.He also loved watching westerns, going out to eat, spending time with family and friends, and joking. Survivors include three children, Sharon (Allen) Gilman of Rochester, Rod (Patti) Leslie of Minneapolis, and Steven Leslie of Mankato; four grandchildren, Tara (Terry) Johnson of Cleveland, MN, Pete (Liz) Gilman of Byron, MN, Keegan Leslie of Arcata, CA and Amity (Antonio Tamariz) Gilman of Alexandria, VA.Other survivors include three great grandchildren, Elliot, Rowan, and Sidney Gilman of Byron.Numerous other relatives and friends also survive. Hugh was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred, who died on July 28, 2014; his parents, Earl and Fern Leslie, his siblings, Kenneth Leslie, Edith Leslie, Laura Hengeveld, and Jeannetta Leslie; a grandson, Craig Leslie; and a great grandson, Lennon Gilman. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Luverne Alumni News, Childrens Hospital St. Paul, MN. Seasons Hospice or to a charity of the donors choice.