David Leonard Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Oct. 24, 2017.

David Arthur Leonard, former Mayo Clinic and Saint Marys administrator, died Oct. 19, 2017, at Saint Marys Hospital with his family at his side.

Dave, as he was known to friends and colleagues, was born on June 3, 1928, in Red Oak, Iowa, to Wynona Farquhar Leonard and Morris Condit Leonard and grew up in Lincoln, Neb. He received a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Grinnell College and a Master's Degree in Psychology from the University of Minnesota's Industrial Relations Center. It was at Grinnell that he met the love of his life, Elizabeth "Betsy" Harvey Berry from Towson, Md. They married in 1949 and raised three children, Deborah A. Leonard, Thomas B. Leonard (deceased), and Jane L. Shellum (Curtis). They, in turn, presented their parents with four grandchildren, Matthew Kotarski, Jenna K. Wolfenden (Daryl), Anne Shellum, and Thomas Shellum.

Dave had a 40-year career at Mayo Clinic. He joined the Personnel Section in 1950, and served in multiple capacities, including administrative assistant, Affirmative Action administrator, chair of the Division of Administrative and Research Services, and preceptor for MHA students. He was one of the original lay members of the Saint Marys Board of Trustees from 1968 to 1982, serving as board president from 1974-1982. At the time of his retirement in 1990, he was the administrator of Saint Marys. After retirement, he continued his work with Saint Marys and the Sisters of Saint Francis through the executive committee of the Sponsorship Board.

Dave was also active in the community. He chaired the Mayor's Committee on Higher Education in 1954, which led the transition of the state junior colleges from the public school systems into the state's higher education system. He was a member of the Rochester City Council from 1961 -1964, and was a member of the Rochester Charter Commission from 1964-1968. In 1961, he was named Rochester's Outstanding Young Man by the Jaycees. He led the community in envisioning the future of Rochester as chair of the Total Community Development program, a nationally recognized effort. He was a founding member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church.

Dave enjoyed spending time with the family at their Hayward, Wis., and Estes Park, Colo., cabins, and wintering with friends in Naples, Fla. He and Betsy also traveled extensively in retirement. In 2006, they moved to Charter House, where they enjoyed many friendships, new and old.

Besides his daughters and grandchildren, he is survived by his brother, William Leonard (Lois); and his sisters-in-law, Vivita Leonard and Sally Christenson (Chris). He was preceded in death by his wife and son.

A memorial service will be held Thanksgiving weekend at St. Lukes Episcopal Church. Further details will be published when plans are finalized.

Memorials are preferred to the Saint Marys Hospital Poverello Fund or Boys and Girls Club of Rochester.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for David Leonard

What is your first memory of David?

Share a favorite memory you have of David.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with David.

Describe a time when David made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about David?

Talk about a shared experience you had with David.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of David.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving David.

What is something you learned from David?

Not sure what to say?

1 Entry

October 25, 2017

I truly loved this kind and gentle man. He was always like a dad....ever the professional and had a voice that was easy to listen to. That may sound strange but I met him in my early years of high school and dated his son Tom. He always made me feel part of the family. Later we worked together at St Marys and he was always a sounding board for me is my supervisory career. He listened to my problems and solutions and tweaked my thinking as necessary. He was a good man and I am so sorry to hear of his death. Deb and Jane my heart is with you and thank you for sharing him with me. Blessings and Love, Diana

Posted by

Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results

Make a Donation
in David Leonard's name

Memorial Events
for David Leonard

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support David's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor David Leonard's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more