Darby, MT- Leo William Krenzel, 82, formerly of Richardton, ND, passed away due to the effects of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, Friday, March 12th , 2021, at his mountain home, surrounded by loved ones.

Leo was born to Steven & Katherine (Katie) (Haupt) Krenzel on 10/20/1938, in Werner, ND. His family relocated to Antelope, ND, where his folks purchased some farm land and built a home. Leo completed 9th grade and attended the boys school at the Abbey in Richardton. Leo joined the United States Army where he served honorably, until discharged, for 6 yrs. His duties included tank and truck repair, truck driving, and instructing at West Point, NY. He was a sharpshooter.

On 3/26/1962, Leo married Susan Edmere Tweed and moved to Richardton. There they would raise 4 daughters. Laurie Ann born 8/5/1962, Ronda Leigh born 6/17/1970, Carreen Catheryn (Kate) born 5/31/1975, and Jeanne Marie born 2/10/1979.

Leo worked for Johnny's Appliances in Richardton, in their early years, and then as a Commercial Construction Foreman for Kolling Construction/Kolling & Kolling in Dickinson for about 40 years. All the while, Leo farmed wheat and barley on the Krenzel family farm in Antelope. Leo proudly served on the Richardton Fire Department for 50 years. His work with the department meant the world to him, as did the men and women he served with. He was a Richardton City Commissioner for 12 years. In his spare time, Leo liked to socialize, play cards, and help Clem at G &G Meats. He loved to kabbitz and have coffee at the C-store. He was a member of the American Legion and the American Bison Association.

Once Leo retired from construction and farming, Leo purchased land in the badlands, near Manning, ND and a herd of bison, and then ranched buffalo under the company name of S&L Apple Bison. He was most proud of the animals he obtained with direct lineage to Theodore Roosevelt's bison herd. Leo loved his time with the majestic animals, out in the beautiful, rugged, badlands.Leo spent the last few years of his life in Darby, MT, under the watchful, caring,
eye of Jeanne Marie and her family. He loved the mountains, and driving around mountain roads. He also found a new coffee hangout, the Coffee Cup, in
Hamilton.

Leo had a great sense of humor. His laugh was distinctive and contagious. He was a good helper, with a zest for giving orders- a take charge kind of attitude. He was an avid collector of many things great and small. He valued his gun collection, the most. Leo was an avid cat and animal lover. He was a good provider and a hard worker. Leo was a good husband, loving father, and doting grandfather.

Leo was preceded in death by his Mother, Father, twin infant brothers, and sister Ann Marie Mattern. (Auburn, WA)

Leo is survived by his loving wife, Susan; daughters Laurie K. Paulson (Michael) of Denver, CO, Ronda Johnson (Mark) of Fargo, ND, Carreen (Kate) Rott (Ben) of West Fargo, ND, and Jeanne Wald (Michael) of Darby, MT. He is survived by 5 grandchildren; Micah Wald (20), Olivia Johnson (17), Katelyn Rott (14), Luke Johnson (14), and Opal Wald (5). Leo is survived by 2 sisters; Darlene Sanders (Larry) of Driftwood, TX and Kathleen Cole (Rik) of Pelican Rapids, MN. Leo is survived by 10 nieces and nephews and their families. He is also survived by his cat, Stinker.

There will be a funeral for Leo at the Darby Catholic Church, followed by a celebration of life commemorating at 2811 Old Darby Road, Darby, MT on 7/24/2021.

The interment will be held at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, in Mandan,ND at a later date.

The family suggests that your memorial be made to: Richardton Fire Dept. P.O. Box 102 Richardton, ND 58652