Francis Kleindl

Francis Kleindl, age 97, of Graceville, Minnesota died April 11, 2014 at Grace Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will held Monday, April 14, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Graceville. Father David Breu will officiate. Visitation will be Sunday, April 13, from 5 to 7 pm, with a 7 pm prayer service at the church. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the services on Monday at the church. Burial will take place at Consolidated Cemetery in Graceville.

Francis Xavier Kleindl, the son of John Albert Jr. and Margret (Ehrnst) Kleindl, was born in rural Browns Valley, Minnesota, on May 3, 1916. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Browns Valley, Minnesota. After completing eight years of education, Shorty hired out as a farmhand for family and neighbors. Shorty was inducted in the Army on March 2, 1942, was stationed in New Jersey, Oklahoma, and served in France during WWII, where he was wounded. He was honorably discharged December 9, 1945.

Shorty was united in marriage to Colette "Kelly" Leenay on November 28, 1945. They farmed east of Barry, Minnesota and later moved south of Barry until 1980 when they retired and moved to Graceville. Kelly died on March 28, 2005. Shorty remained in his home until 2011, when he moved to Grace Home.

Shorty enjoyed fishing, crop checking, bowling, yard work, and woodworking.
He was a member of Knights of Columbus, Jesse Poole American Legion Post #287, National Farmers Organization, and Toqua Sportsmen Club. He served on the Barry Elevator Board, helped with Meals on Wheels, and was a Eucharistic Minister.

Shorty died April 11, 2014, at Grace Home in Graceville, Minnesota, having reached the age of 97.

Left with his memory are his children: Elizabeth (Jim) Boyle of Tyler, MN; David (Bonnie) Kleindl of Graceville, MN; Richard (Joyce) Kleindl of Minnetonka, MN; Stephen (Janell) Kleindl of Graceville, MN; Michael (Colleen) Kleindl of Graceville, MN; Mark (Diane) Kleindl of Graceville, MN; Andrew (Julie) Kleindl of Colonge, MN; and Susan (Howard) McNertney of White Bear Lake, MN; 34 grandchildren; 47 great-grandchildren; brother Lawrence Kleindl; sisters: Margret Billiet of Graceville and Theresa Petersdorf ; and many nieces and nephews.

Shorty was preceded in death by wife Colette; brothers: Wilbert, Clarence, Alvin, John H., Edward "Bing", and Joseph; sister Rose Wencel; grandson Matthew Boyle; and great-grandchildren: Colby Pankonin, Gunner Boyle, Finnley Boyle, Mitchell Kleindl and Isaac Berlinger.