James C. Leonhardt

James C. Leonhardt, 79, of Rochester, MN passed away with his family by his side after a long battle with Parkinsons on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at Samaritan Bethany. James was born July 25, 1937 to Carl and Eleanor Leonhardt in Winona, MN. James graduated in 1955 from Winona High School. He married Diana Mae Clardy on July 11, 1959. James served in the Navy from 1957 1960. Upon his return from the service he started working at IBM and retired in 1994. Diana and James raised their family in Byron, MN and moved to Rochester in 2006. James was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Rochester and was currently the Sunday School Supervisor, President of the church Council, served on the building committee and financial secretary. James enjoyed church activities, fishing and going on vacations up North. James is survived by his wife, Diana of Rochester; sons, Randy of Kenyon, MN, Mike (Dawn) of Mantorville, MN, Dan (Maria-Renee) of St. Peter, MN and Jeff of Byron, MN; three grandchildren, Chad (Jordan) Leonhardt, Chelsey (Bryan) Schroeder and Sophia Grigsby; one brother, Roger (Bev) Leonhardt of DeForest., WI and Jim Sonnenfeld of Winona, MN. Memorials are preferred to the family. There will be a funeral service on Saturday, August 6, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church (222 6th Avenue SW). Visitation will take place from 5:00 7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 5, 2016 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes and one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in Byron Cemetery in Byron, MN. Arrangements are being handled by Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN 55901 To share a special memory please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com