Joseph Roger "Joe" Leintz

Joseph "Joe" Roger Leintz, age 71, died peacefully the morning of May 10th, 2024, after a long and courageous fight with cancer. He died the way he lived, full of life, cherishing final moments with friends and family, and unimaginably stubborn never admitting that his cancer was something to be discussed, instead focusing on the blessings around him.

Joe was born April 24, 1953, in Killdeer, ND to Anton and Juliana (Erker) Leintz. The youngest of twelve children, Joe was forced to grow up too quickly and become more independent than any child should. Upon graduating from Orono High School, he supported himself living in St. Louis Park, MN where fate would lead him to meet the love of his life, Patricia "Trish" Nelson at George's in the Park. It was her birthday, February 17th, 1972, and, in a time before cell phones, he promised to meet her the following week at the same time. The rest, as they say, is history. They married December 23, 1972, and spent the next 51 years building a wonderful life together.

Shortly after marrying, Joe and Trish moved to the San Francisco Bay Area and spent much of the 1970's growing up together and experiencing the world. Eventually, they found their way back to Orono, MN where they put down roots and built their family. In 1979, Joe started Metro Building Companies. Together with Trish, he would successfully run this business until his passing. In addition to Metro, Joe was a serial entrepreneur, owning businesses in real estate development, a clothing brand and a specialty disinfecting business that would take him to remote locations around the world. He loved what he did and frequently said he never worked a day in his life.

When he wasn't working, Joe was frequently volunteering his time and resources to improving his community. For many years, Joe was the president of the Lake Minnetonka Athletic Association, the president of the Orono Baseball Association and raised significant money for the construction of new fields and athletic facilities that have benefitted thousands of children.

While proud of his career and community engagement, nothing brought Joe more pride or joy than his family. Joe leaves behind his wife and his three children: Krista Gurevich, Jeffrey (Christy) Leintz, and Sean (Caara) Leintz. Joe was a loving and dedicated father and husband. He never missed a game, a DECA competition or recital. Later he would settle into one of his favorite roles as a grandfather to four little boys. Time with his grandchildren always brought a smile to his face. Joe lived with the belief that everything should be sacrificed for family, and his actions always matched his words. His character was unimpeachable, and he was the truest expression of a family patriarch.

Joe's warmth and generosity will be missed by all who knew him. To know Joe was to love him, and you can be certain that if Joe knew you, he loved you too.

Visitation will be at 10:00AM and Mass at 11:00AM, Monday, May 20, 2024, at Holy Name of Jesus, 155 County Road 24, Wayzata, MN 55391. Interment at Lakewood Cemetery to follow.