Roland K. Leaf, 86, of Willmar, died Monday, July 22nd at Bethesda Grand in Willmar. His memorial service will be at 2:00 pm, Friday, July 26th at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar.
Visitation will be one hour prior to his service. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery in Willmar. www.
hafh.org Roland Keith Leaf was born on August 4, 1937, to Raymond and Ruth (Flolo) Leaf at home on their farm in Sunburg. He passed away July 22, 2024 at Bethesda with his family by his side.
Roland graduated in 1955 from Brooten High School. After graduation, Roland lived in Clara City and worked at the V Store. Over the years, he worked at Robert Hall in Minneapolis, John’s Supper Club, and then moved into a career as a Tinsmith for Chappel Duct, the Sheet Metal Union, and retired from Chappel Central in 1999.
Roland was united in marriage to Margaret Mae Marks (Garman) on January 3, 1964. To this union, one daughter was born. Roland was known for his selfless nature and his love for helping others.
He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and spending time with family; his kind and patient demeanor left a lasting impression on everyone. Roland was diagnosed with cancer in October of 2017. Despite being told several times that he had 3-6 months, he stayed with us for almost 7 more years.
He loved the nurses at the Willmar Cancer Center, and formed some beautiful friendships with the staff at CentraCare Hospice and Bethesda. In 1983, Roland was awarded Eagle of the Year and remained an active member of the Eagles and Eagles Sno Club for many years. Roland was survived by his daughter, Kristin (Brian) Schlegel of Blomkest; stepson, Kim Garman of Duluth and stepdaughter, Karen Garman of AZ, his grandchildren, Kaitlin (Jason) Budish of Elk River, Jason (Mandy) Akerson of Britt, Jarin (Nathan) Houdek of Eveleth, Jesika (Matt) Baker, Gilbert, AZ, and Kyle Patten, along with 12 great-grandchildren.
He was a dearly loved grandpa and great-grandpa. He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret; parents, brother, Charles Leaf; sister, Barbara Paetznick; stepdaughter, Ginger (David) Akerson; and his grandson, John Schlegel..
