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LeRoy L. Bahrke Obituary – 12/12/2009


Funeral services celebrating the life of LeRoy L. Bahrke, age 90, of Glencoe, formerly of Lester Prairie, were Thursday, Dec. 17 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Lester Prairie. LeRoy died Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009, at Glencoe Regional Health Services.

The Rev. David Erbel officiated at the 1 p.m. service. The organist was Kay Gueningsman. Soloist Nathan Schmalz sang “How Great Thou Art.” Congregational hymns included “The Old Rugged Cross,” “Abide with Me,” “On Eagle’s Wings” and “Amazing Grace.” Interment was in the church cemetery.

Serving as casket bearers were Jason Ackerman, Jeff Sullivan, Chris Bosma, Bryce Bahrke, Thomas Pederson, and Jeff Pool. Honorary casket bearers were the other grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Visitation took place Wednesday, Dec. 16 at the church.

LeRoy was born May 30, 1919, in Winsted Township, the son of Gustav and Elsie (Tonn) Bahrke. He was baptized June 22, 1919, at his home, and confirmed into the faith April 9, 1933, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Lester Prairie by Rev. Schert.

LeRoy attended country school through the eighth grade.

He was united in marriage to Helen Quast Nov. 2, 1947, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church by the Rev. A. F. Vomhof. The couple made their home on a farm of 160 acres outside of Lester Prairie until 1974. They then moved into Lester Prairie, and in 2001, LeRoy moved to an apartment in Glencoe with his daughter, Bev.

LeRoy retired from farming at the age of 65, and worked in Lester Prairie and also for Green Giant.

He enjoyed going up north to deer hunt – not to shoot, but to hang out with the guys. He also enjoyed listening to old time music and really liked to go boating in the summer, spending many hours on Swan Lake.

LeRoy loved his family and really enjoyed seeing his great-grandkids and grandkids.

He is survived by his children, Sandy Ross of Wagner, OK, Marvanna Pederson (Steve) of Little Falls, Bev Bahrke of Glencoe, and Dave Bahrke (Julie) of New Auburn; grandchildren Debbie Ross, Joey Ross, Thomas Pederson (Michelle), Mary Ackerman (Jason), Jennifer Sullivan (Jeffrey), Tyler Bahrke, and Bryce Bahrke; step grandchildren Chris Bosma and Miranda Pool; great-grandchildren Chasity Ross, Jake Sullivan, Carter Sullivan, and Taytum Ackerman; as well as other relatives and friends.

LeRoy was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Helen; and a son-in-law, Gene Ross.

Arrangements were with the Paul-McBride Funeral Chapel in Lester Prairie. For online guestbook, please visit www.mcbridefuneralchapels.com.

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