Leonard Pillatzki

Leonard A. Pillatzki, age 84, of Willmar, died Thursday afternoon, September 14, at Bethesda Pleasantview Nursing Home in Willmar, where he resided for the past ten years.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Monday, September 18, at the Church of St. Mary in Willmar with Fr. Joseph Steinbeisser celebrating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar with a Parish Prayer service and Knights of Columbus Rosary service at 5 p.m. Visitation will also continue for one hour prior to the Mass at the church.
Leonard Alois Pillatzki was born October 2, 1921, in Marietta, Minnesota, the son of Albert and Anna (Blank) Pillatzki. He grew up and received his education in the Marietta community and graduated from Marietta High School. On February 15, 1950, he married Doris "Lorraine" Slaughter in Benson. They lived and farmed near Marietta. In 1952, they moved to Willmar, where Leonard worked at Gamble Robinson and later as a salesman for Welders Supply. Leonard also operated Len's Texaco for many years before returning to work for Welders Supply. He was a member of the Church of St. Mary, where he served as an usher and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles for many years. Leonard enjoyed playing card games, fishing, camping, bowling and woodworking. He also enjoyed attending auctions and garage sales.
He is survived by his children: Leonard Jr. (and Sharon) Pillatzki of Northwood, Iowa, Michael Pillatzki of Willmar, Betty (and Willis) Iffert of Willmar, Kevin (and Susan) Pillatzki of Willmar, Diane (and Jim) Aeikens of Morris, Sharon Pillatzki of Morris and Roger Pillatzki of St. Cloud; 19 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; one brother, Larry (and Verna) Pillatzki of Benson; one sister, Theresa Jochum of Willmar and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Lorraine in February 1999; four brothers, John, Frank, Leo and Matthew; two sisters, Veronica and Lenore and a great-grandson, Jeremiah Kidrowski.