Leo C. Kerling was born on May 5th, 1927, in Austin, Minnesota. He passed from this life on December 10th, 2025. He was 98 years old. Leo lived in Austin all of his life until moving to Dubuque, IA to live with his daughter Pam after his beloved wife Ramona died.

Leo’s funeral will be scheduled at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Austin, Minnesota in the spring.

Leo was married to the love of his life, Ramona, in 1949, and they were blessed to share each other’s love and friendship for 74 years. Together they built a loving home for their daughters Pam and Jane. Faith, family, and friends surrounded Leo all the days of his life.

At the age of 17 Leo joined the Navy, serving for 4 years. (He received his Pacelli High School diploma shortly after entering the Navy.) He was a radio man aboard the USS Bluebird submarine rescue ship in the Pacific and China. After service to his country, he returned to Austin and worked at Hormel Foods for 41 years. Leo was a charter member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Austin and was a faithful volunteer for anything that needed to be done. Possessing a naturally curious mind, Leo could figure out how to do or fix anything. Leo loved the challenge of building and remodeling. He never ceased to amaze his family and friends with his clever ideas. Leo also had a passion for helping others. Among countless volunteer activities, Leo also was a faithful blood donor for the American Red Cross, donating over 25 gallons. In 2010 Leo was thrilled to go on the SE MN Honor Flight to Washington DC. He was a remarkable man who will be missed greatly by family and friends alike. We will forever count his presence in our lives as one of God’s greatest gifts.

Leo was preceded in death by his beloved wife Ramona; parents, Matt and Katie Kerling; his brothers Matt, Albert, Don, Ed, and Vern; his sisters Tillie, Esther, Adeline, and Lucille; and many other relatives and friends.

Left to honor Leo’s memory are his daughters Pam (Tom) Boland of Dubuque, IA and Jane Kerling (David Schenk) of Red Wing, MN; his grandchildren Tim (Caroline) Boland and Sara (Jordan) DeGree, Matt, Scott (Tricia), and Alyssa Perau. Lighting up Leo’s life were his ten special great-grandchildren, Walker (Boland) Newt, Winter and Wolfe DeGree; Silas, Hazel, and Solvi Ramona Perau; and Mose, Sinjin Leo, Idris, and Levon Boland. Leo is also survived by many special nieces, nephews, and friends.

“May his memory be a blessing.”

Online condolences for Leo’s family may be left at www.tristatecremationcenter.com