Edwin Conrad Leiding

Edwin Conrad William Leiding was born to William Henry Leiding and Bertha Marie (Tietje) Leiding on May 23, 1919 near Ceylon, MN (Tenhassen Township). He was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran (Missouri Synod) faith at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Wilbert, MN.

After attending District 17 country school for eight grades, he joined his father in farming. In 1941, he was called to serve in the U.S. Army. During his 4 ½ years, he served in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes, and Central Europe as a Field Artillery Observer. He was discharged in October 1945.

On December 27, 1941, he married Bernice Marie Wenzel. After his discharge from the Army, they settled on a dairy farm between Dunnell and Ceylon, MN. They were blessed with two sons and three daughters. In 1970, the family moved to a farm near Estherville, IA until they sold it and moved to the town of Estherville. Edwin worked in construction until 1979. He lost his wife, Bernice, in 1976.

Edwin held high his love for God and country. While raising his family, Edwin was involved with church duties and held various offices at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Ceylon. He also held membership with the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars organization serving as Post commander of the Ceylon Legion Post 529 and VFW 3388 in Estherville. He was proud of the fact he donated 11 gallons of blood in his lifetime.

He was joined in marriage to Patsy Jo Davis Fischer July 1, 1978. In 1979, they moved to Prescott Valley, AZ. Edwin worked on the city street maintenance crew until 1984 when they moved to Chino Valley. In 1987, they moved to St. Louis, MO, returning to Chino Valley in 1992. Edwin and Pat built a new home in Prescott Valley in 1997. They were members of Trinity Lutheran Church in Prescott Valley. From 1992 to 2001, Edwin was employed with Chino Rentals and did maintenance and servicing of equipment. He retired at the age of 82. He lost his wife, Pat, in 2010.

Mr. Leiding passed away peacefully at home on July 22, 2015 at the age of 96 concluding a 10 year journey through Parkinsons Disease.

Edwin is survived by two sons: Bruce of Dallas, TX and Alan (Chris) of Orono, MN; three daughters Carol (Harold) Saddoris of Prescott Valley, AZ, Lana Leiding and Lois Leiding both of Tumwater, WA; two step-daughters Louise (Robert) Weeks of N Las Vegas and Sally (Steve) Hernandez of Prescott Valley, AZ; three grandchildren Chad Leiding (TX), Stefany Leiding(FL), and Ben Saddoris (WA); 5 step-grandchildren Sara Alanis (FL), Danelle and Steven Hernandez (AZ), Russell Fischer (NC), Jessie (FL); three step-great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law Dorothy (Lyle) Wenzel of Fairmont, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and their spouses Frieda (Robert) Rosenberg and Irene (Ray) Petersen; his brother and spouse William (Hazel) Leiding Jr; three brothers-in-law Donald Wenzel, Lyle Wenzel and Fred and Esther Wenzel; and step-son John Fischer.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Trinity Lutheran Church in Prescott Valley or the Parkinson Network of Arizona for use by Prescott Parkinsons Support Group. www.parkinsonnetworkaz.org.

God’s angels came to get me today…
The joy I felt I cannot say!
I’ve longed to go “Home” for quite awhile
I’ve been anxious to see my Saviour’s smile!
My hearing was poor, my eyesight grew dim…
I craved to be “whole” in eternity with Him!
Though I’m leaving family and friends I adore;
I’m excited to join those who’ve gone before!
My life’s been good, so don’t feel sad;
I’m in Heaven now…please be glad!