September 10, 1921 - January 24, 2014
Leon L. Lunas, age 92, formerly of Richfield, passed peacefully on Friday, January 24, 2014 at Clare Bridge, Eagan, MN. Born September 10, 1921 in Ruso, ND to Violet (Wilmovsky) and Charles Lunas. Preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Ione ( Benson ); sister, Betty and brother, Robert. Survived by sister, Margie (John) Demchuck, of CO; children, Janet (Mark) Gjerde of Apple Valley, Betty (William) Osborn of Eagan, Charles (Mari Johnson) Lunas of Sarona, WI; 7 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren.
Leon attended high school in Mohall, ND and Industrial School (machine shops) in Mpls. He met his wife at Tobin Arp Mfg. They married in 1944. He served in the 34th Tank Battalion, 5th Armored Division of the Army, in Europe in WWII. This service greatly influenced the rest of his life. In 1950 they moved to Richfield where they lived for 39 years. In 1964 Leon and a partner establishedThalmo Corporation of Mpls which manufactured tools, dies and molds. The partners retired from this business in 1985.
Leon served as quartermaster of the Fred Babcock VFW Post 5555 for 18 years and was a VFW District Legislative Officer for 10 years. He was on the Richfield Planning Commission for 5 years and appointed Ambassador to Richfield in 1981. During his retirement, he volunteered 5,000 hours to the VA Medical Center. He also enjoyed fishing, reading, "Big Band" music and traveling in Europe, Scandinavia and Asia.
Memorials are suggested to VFW National Home for Children, Alzheimer's Association of MN-ND, or donor's choice.