Leo J Kellen

Mankato Mortuary
1001 N. Riverfront Drive
Mankato, MN 56001
507-388-2202

Leo John Kellen, age 100, of North Mankato, died Monday, July 23, 2012 at Oak Terrace Assisted Living in North Mankato.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 27, 2012 at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday at Mankato Mortuary with a 6 p.m. rosary. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Mankato. Memorials are preferred to donor's choice.

Leo was born June 1, 1912 to Nicolas and Anna (Colling) Kellen on a farm near Le Mars, IA. The last of 13 children, Leo attended grade school at St. Joseph's parish in Le Mars, high school at Conception, Missouri, and graduated from Trinity College, Sioux City, IA in 1935. Mr. Kellen was employed for several years by a construction company in Ashton, IA and pitched semi-pro baseball for different teams in northwestern Iowa and southwestern Minnesota. He was married to Armella Disch on June 26, 1939 and resided in Ashton until 1940 when his job was transferred to St. Peter, MN. He started a small mail order manufacturing business in 1947 which he operated until 1974 when he retired. The Kellen family moved to Mankato in 1955 and resided in the area until his death. Mr. Kellen was a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus and an active member of Ss. Peter and Paul parish in Mankato. He enjoyed baseball and bowling.

Mr. Kellen is survived by his two sons, James (Clarice) of Murphy, TX, and Thomas (Mary) of Hendersonville, NC; daughter, Joan (Joe Postels) Kellen of North Mankato; two grandsons; five granddaughters; eight great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Leo was preceded in death by his wife, Armella in 2007; infant son, Anthony; his parents; five brothers and seven sisters.