Leon “Rocky” Frederick Vehrenkamp, 74, passed away on Saturday, October 12, 2019, in his home near Fountain, Minn.
Leon was born on April 4, 1945, at Mrs. Shepherd’s Home in Wykoff to Dick and Linda (Eickhoff) Vehrenkamp. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Wykoff, where he was a lifelong member. He went to Wykoff Public School from first through sixth, St. John’s Parochial School for seventh and eighth, and graduated from Wykoff High School in 1963. In September of 1963 he volunteered for the Army and served until September 1965. After discharge, he worked in carpentry until he worked for IBM from 1965 to 1977. He returned to carpentry for a few more years and then worked for Eickhoff Fertilizer for 16 years. During retirement, he worked in carpentry and then worked part time for CCPC of Fountain.
He enjoyed playing fastpitch and slowpitch softball for 51 years. Leon being able to play in the National 40 & Over Fastpitch Tournament in 1995 and being able to play with relatives from four generations of one family were highlights. He belonged to the Fountain American Legion for 47 years, where he served as commander for a number of years. He also enjoyed gardening, preserving his homegrown vegetables, and growing his flowers.
Leon is survived by two sisters, Margie Vehrenkamp of Milwaukee, Wis., and Sally (Curtis) Jeske of Wykoff, Minn.; three nieces, one nephew, and 10 great-nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Norma Jean Nelson, brother-in-law Larry Nelson, and nephew Dan Nelson.
Memorial services for Leon will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 18, 2019, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Wykoff, with Pastor Michael Harman officiating. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, October 17 at Hindt-Hudek Funeral Home in Wykoff and will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.
Online condolences may be left at Hindtfuneralhomes.com.