Leon Leonard LERNER

It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of Leon Leonard Lerner, beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle. He died peacefully on March 21, 2017 at the age of 91 at Roitenberg Family Assisted Living Residence in St. Louis Park, MN. Born in Los Angeles, CA on November 21, 1925, Leon was the son of Joe and Pearl Lerner. He spent his early years in Los Angeles with his identical twin Marvin and sister Audrey, serving in the US Navy during World War II, attending the University of Southern California, and eventually relocating to Minneapolis, MN where he married Elaine Lifson in 1949. As a respected member of the Minneapolis community, Leon built a successful ad specialty business. All who knew him treasured his fantastic musical talent, which he shared as a soloist in the Adath Jeshurun Congregation Choir for many years, in addition to delighting friends and family with his daily gatherings around the piano. Whether meeting a neighbor in the street or a stranger while traveling the world with Elaine, Leon shared his warmth, humor, intelligence, generosity and boundless interest in all people without reservation. The greatest love in Leon's life was his wife of 67 years, Elaine, who survives him along with daughters Wendy Lerner and Nancy Lerner Frej and three grandchildren - Adam Lerner Eaton, Willa Lifson Frej and Austin Lilly Frej. He is also survived by his sister Audrey Weiner and ten nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM at Adath Jeshurun Congregation, 10500 Hillside Lane W., Minnetonka, MN 55305 on Friday, March 24, 2017. Shiva will be held at Roitenberg Family Assisted Living Residence, 3610 Philllips Parkway, St. Louis Park, MN 55426 on Sunday and Monday, March 26 and 27, 2017 at 7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Adath Jeshurun Congregation. Arrangements with Adath Jeshurun Chevra Kavod haMet and www.Washburn-McReavy.com. 952-920-3996