Carmen LeRoy Priesz

Carmen LeRoy Priesz, 82, passed away peacefully under hospice care on Monday, October 20, 2025.

Carmen was born on February 12, 1943, in Luverne, MN, to Alvin and Eleanor (Pengra) Priesz. He grew up on the family farm in Rock County, where he learned the value of hard work, responsibility, and a life close to the land. He graduated from Luverne High School in 1961 and continued his education at the University of Minnesota and Mankato State College. During college, he enjoyed a particularly memorable job working on the grounds crew for the Minnesota Twins—a unique experience he looked back on fondly throughout his life.

On  September 18, 1965, Carmen married the love of his life, Jane Peterson, in Red Wing, MN. Together, they shared 60 years of life, adventure, and partnership—moving an impressive 19 times and embracing each new home with joy and optimism. Wherever they lived, Carmen and Jane danced through life together, especially when The Rolling Stones came on. He was always ready for a twirl, a laugh, and a moment on the dance floor.

Carmen spent his career working in the insurance industry, specializing in the investigation of claims. He retired from American Family Insurance Company in 2004. Retirement did not slow him down—he continued to serve his community and stay engaged through part-time roles he truly enjoyed, including serving as a reserve deputy for the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Department, working as a driver’s training instructor with the South Dakota Safety Council, and spending time assisting at Vern Eide, Avera Hospital, and Prairie Green Golf Course.

Whether on the golf course, hunting in the early morning, casting a line into calm waters, or swishing down a snowy slope on skis, Carmen embraced life with zest and enthusiasm. He had a gift for storytelling, captivating those around him with tales that were often so entertaining his grandchildren joked they may have been embellished just a bit to make them even better.

A longtime member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Carmen lived out his faith in small daily acts of generosity, kindness, and service. His life was anchored by a favorite saying that hung in their home, lovingly written in Jane’s calligraphy and lived out in everything he did:

“I shall pass through this world but once.
Anything, therefore, that I can do,
or any kindness that I can show
to any human being,
let me do it now;
let me not defer it or neglect it,
for I shall not pass this way again.”

Carmen truly lived this message—greeting others with warmth, showing up when it mattered, and extending kindness to both people and animals. Known affectionately as the family’s animal whisperer, Carmen had a special way with four-legged friends. Dogs, cats, and nearly any creature seemed to sense his gentle spirit and gravitated toward him.

He and Jane loved traveling together—especially to warm places like Florida, Arizona, and any beach where sand and sunshine were plentiful.

Of all the roles Carmen held in his life, the one he cherished most was Grandpa. He poured his heart into supporting his grandchildren—Sophia Priesz, Isabella, Max, and Sam Krenik—rarely missing a game, concert, or event. He was their biggest fan, enthusiastic storyteller, encourager, and source of laughter and pride.

Carmen is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jane; his son, Eric (Lisa) Priesz; daughter, Stephanie (Tim) Krenik; and four grandchildren, Sophia Priesz, Isabella, Max, and Sam Krenik. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Howard Priesz.

Funeral services will be held at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with lunch to follow. Visitation will take place at Heritage Funeral Home on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, from 4:00–6:00 p.m., with family present.

Carmen leaves behind a legacy of kindness, humor, faith, and presence—a storyteller with a twinkle in his eye, a gentle soul who loved animals, a man who danced freely, lived generously, and believed deeply in doing good now, because “we shall not pass this way again.”