Leonard Ashfeld

Leonard Joseph Ashfeld , age 80, of Watkins, Minnesota passed away peacefully on July 19, 2025, in his home where he was born and spent his entire life.

Born on April 30, 1945, to Ervin and Elizabeth (Hielmaier) Ashfeld, Leonard grew up on the family farm just outside of Watkins. He spent his life farming that land, eventually running the farm himself. He raised livestock for many years before shifting his focus entirely to crop farming in the late 1990's. Farming was more than a job to Leonard - it was a way of life, and he took great pride in it.

Leonard and Susan spent many years together and raised four children. Though their marriage later ended, they shared the experience of building a family, and Leonard took quiet pride in his children and grandchildren. In his own way, he showed up where he could and found joy in watching the next generation carry things forward.

After stepping back from farming on his own Leonard continued helping his longtime neighbor and friend, Bob Hansen. Whether it was fieldwork or simply lending a hand, Leonard enjoyed staying involved in the farming that grounded him for so many decades.

He was known for his resilience and determination. Born with physical challenges and later losing his hand in a farm accident, Leonard met adversity head-on. He rarely complained. Instead, he adapted, persisted, and continued doing what he loved with a quiet grit that left a lasting impression on those around him. Outside of work, Leonard enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. He rarely passed up a good farm auction and appreciated the energy of the local casino.

Leonard is survived by his children: Patrick (Linda) Ashfeld, Keith Ashfeld, Teresa (Tony) Peterson, Paul Ashfeld; his grandchildren Kerry, Kody, Amber, Lenna, Jordan and Leighton; his sisters Dianne Garding and Arlys Hicks. He was preceded in death by his grandson, James; his brother James; his sister Joanne; his parents, Ervin and Elizabeth.

Leonard's life wasn't perfect, but it was deeply his own-rooted in the same soil from beginning to end. His memory lives on in the land he loved, in the family he helped raise, and in the stories that will continue to be told by those who knew him.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 24 from 4 - 7 PM with a prayer service at 6:45 PM at Ertl Funeral Home, Watkins, Minnesota. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, July 25 at 11:00 AM with a visitation one hour prior at Church of St. Anthony, Watkins, MN with inurnment in St. Anthony Cemetery.