Leonard Cherf

Leonard L. Cherf, 69, of Mentor, MN passed away Tuesday January 31, 2012 at home surrounded by his family. Leonard was born December 22, 1942 to Laddie and Irene Cherf in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He went to school in Milwaukee. Then he became a member of the United States Air Force and was stationed at Fort Hood in Texas. In 1967 he married his first love, Lynn Hagen. They started their family. He soon attended trade school and then culinary school. After the death of Lynn, he was fortunate enough to find another love, Kathy Payment and married her in 1986. In 1991 he moved his family to Mentor, Minnesota. He lost Kathy suddenly in 1996. Leonard was fortunate enough to find a third love, in 2001 he married Nikki Peterson at Faith Lutheran Church in Mentor. Leonard was a family man who put his wife and children before anything else. He often incorporated his hobby of woodworking in with his children to teach them about being compassionate toward those less fortunate. Leonard was well-known for his craftsmanship and woodworking skills. He often made rocking horses, wagons, baby cradles, and toys for children who did not have them at Christmas. When he wasn't working on woodworking, Leonard stayed busy running the Save Our Souls Equine Rescue, which he was the president and designer, until 2007 when it closed due to his declining health. He was an active member of the National Rifle Association and an award winning craftsman at county fairs. Leonard is survived by his loving wife, Nikki; seven children Jennelle (Brian Butterton) Peterson of Silverdale, WA, Kevin (Carrie) Cherf of Winger, MN, Chuck (Lyn) Peterson of Rochester, MN, Amanda (Dave) Fritsch of Mentor, Liz (Greg) Toupin of Erskine, MN, Trish (Lenny Fuller) Cherf of Crookston, Ashley Cherf of Mentor, and and honorary daughter, Jackie (James) Pratt of Greenbush. May God bless Leonard's memory. He leaves behind a legacy of many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and one sister, Mary Ida of Illinois. Leonard's constant companion, his English Mastiff, Buck, will especially miss him. Buck protected Leonard and stayed by his side. Leonard is preceded in death by his parents; wives, Lynn Cherf and Kathy Cherf; brother, Pat Cherf; nephew, Anthony Cherf; sister, Teresa Jacobson; and daughter, Carrie Lynn Cherf . A memorial service celebrating Leonard's life will take place on Saturday, February 4, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. in Grace Lutheran Church in Erskine, MN. Visitation with the family will take place one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will take place at St. Lawrence Cemetery in Mentor, MN.

Funeral Home: Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home 615 South Minnesota Street Crookston, MN US 56716

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Previous Events

Service
Saturday, February 4, 2012
cemetery
Saturday, February 4, 2012