LeRoy Elwood Feldt

LeRoy Elwood Feldt passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at the Frazee Care Center. LeRoy faced various health challenges, including heart issues and cancer but remained strong in spirit throughout his life. 

LeRoy was born on May 6, 1934, at St. James Hospital in Perham, MN, to Fred Jr. and Agusta (Kain) Feldt. He was baptized and confirmed at Toad Lake Lutheran Church, where his faith became a cornerstone of his life.

Growing up on farms near Wolf Lake, MN, LeRoy attended country school through the 8th grade before graduating from Frazee High School in 1953. During his time there, he was actively involved in the FFA, serving as an officer for three years and attending the FFA Convention in Kansas City, KS, a point of great pride for him.

On July 8, 1956, LeRoy married Evangeline Fisher at Evergreen Lutheran Church. Their 37-year marriage was blessed with five children: Roxane, Larry, Lloyd, Leon, and Rita. Tragically, their son Leon passed away following a car accident in 1966. Evangeline passed away October 24, 1993.

In 1960, LeRoy joined the National Guard, where he served as a cook for nine years, earning a reputation among his fellow guardsmen for his cooking skills. Over the years, he worked on several local farms, with his first job cutting wood for the Wolf Lake Creamery. With his earnings, he purchased his first car, a Chevy Club Coupe, and later, a tractor with a loader, allowing him to work for other farmers. 

LeRoy’s work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit led him to a successful career. He worked at King & Graybull, where he honed his skills in heating, sheet metal bending, welding, and more. Later, as an apprentice electrician for Jim Meyers in Frazee, he laid the groundwork for his many business ventures. In the late 1950s, LeRoy established Feldt Plumbing, earning his Master Plumber's license and providing well drilling, septic pumping, and water and sewer line installations for area farmers and resorts. His dedication and success earned him recognition as a top buyer, allowing him to travel to places like Spain, New Orleans, Las Vegas, and Hawaii. Never content to rest on his achievements, LeRoy also bought and ran Sue Dunn’s Café in Frazee, acquired the Wolf Lake Locker Plant and had his brother, Emory, manage it, and established Feldt Rental Properties in the early 70’s, growing his business to 100 units, including trailers, houses, and farms. In 1981, he bought Johnston Excavating which was expanded to underground utilities, sewer lines, excavation, and site work. His boundless energy and drive shaped the lives of his children and grandchildren, whom he instilled with his strong work ethic. 

LeRoy found joy in the simple pleasures of life—he loved to dance, and cherished time spent with family. He served as a Cub Scout Leader and Master. LeRoy made time on Sundays for Church and Sunday School, ensuring his children were involved in these meaningful experiences. He took the kids to Dairy Queen as a treat. He took his children to the activities like music lessons that they were involved in.

On September 9, 2007, LeRoy married Gloria (Kimball) Young at Trinity Lutheran in Deer Creek, MN. They spent summers at the lake home on Graham Lake and winters in Deming, New Mexico. Ever the entrepreneur and his need to keep busy he actually bought rental units in Deming. They went dancing and attended Redeemer Lutheran Church. One of his favorites was hosting a Valentine Dinner for the Congregation (40 Members). They enjoyed breakfast on Saturdays with friends and going to the Flea Market. They made frequent trips to Mexico to dine at their favorite restaurant. Always one to stretch his dollar, glasses, hearing aids and dental work were done while in Mexico. During their marriage they took many trips, two of their favorites were to China & Italy

LeRoy was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, who will be remembered for his strong work ethic, love of family and his faith. He always said, “You should wear your best clothes to church as a sign of respect”. He was a faithful member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church for decades.

LeRoy is survived by his loving wife, Gloria, of Frazee; his children: Roxane (Larry) Abraham of Frazee, Larry (Brenda) Feldt of Denver, IA, Lloyd (Karen) Feldt of Detroit Lakes, and Rita (Peter) Hajjar of Excelsior; his stepsons: Scott (Janet) Young of Vergas, and Darrin (Andrea) Young; 13 grandchildren; Rachel (Mark), Lucus (Amber), Matt (William), Samuel (Jaccie), Paul (Danielle), Andrew, Greg (Carrie), Cassi (Jared), Alex (Allison), Amanda (Robert), Xavier (Lana), Laken and Emilia. 9 step-grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 5 step-great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Evangeline; his son, Leon; his parents, Fred Jr. and Augusta; his brother, Emory; and many beloved aunts and uncles. 

LeRoy’s family wishes to express their gratitude for the many cards and words of comfort during this time. Blessed be his memory.