Leslie E. Ladd

LESLIE ELMOR LADD was born on May 13, 1913 to Lauren and Anna (Enright) Ladd in Cleveland Township, near Rock Rapids, Iowa. The family later moved to a farm four miles north of Hardwick, Minnesota. He attended District #75 country school for eight years and then attended and graduated from Luverne High School in 1932. Following his education he continued to reside at his parents’ home and worked on the farm. On September 4, 1937 Leslie was united in marriage to Evelyn Maria Oye in Luverne, Minnesota. The couple made their livelihood from the land while raising their three children. Leslie farmed full-time until 1965. He then went to work at the Rock County Co-op until 1971. Along with working at the Co-op Leslie also worked at Blue Mound Catering from 1966 to 1978. Leslie retired in 1978. He and Evelyn moved to New Richmond, Wisconsin in 1995 to be close to their son and daughter. In 2000, his wife of 63 years, Evelyn, passed away. Leslie remained living in their apartment in New Richmond until August 1, 2011. On Thursday, August 18, 2011 Leslie died under comfort care at the St. Croix Health Center in New Richmond at the age of 98 years, three months, and five days.

Leslie was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Luverne. He enjoyed fishing, reading, crafts and following the Minnesota Vikings.

Leslie is lovingly remembered by his two children, Kaye and husband Merlin Ommen of New Richmond, and James Ladd of Orlando, Florida; six grandchildren, Amy Kunz, Michael Ommen, Lori Sharretts, Renee Ladd, Greg Ladd, and Kerry Jerke; nine great-grandchildren; one brother, Lauren (Lauretta) of Luverne, Minnesota; and other family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn; son, Keith; parents, Lauren and Anna; five brothers, Howard, William, Parnell, Russell, and Harley; one sister, Mary Strassburg.