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Leila L. Brelje Obituary – 1/23/2017


Leila L. Brelje, age 98, of New Germany, passed away Monday, Jan. 23, 2017, at New Perspective Senior Living in Waconia.

She was born June 3, 1918, in Camden Township, New Germany, the daughter of Otto and Laura (Burkowske) Kohls. Leila was baptized June 16, 1918, at St. Mark Lutheran Church in New Germany by the Rev. Theodore Rolf; and confirmed by the same March 20, 1932.

Leila was united in marriage to Audrey Brelje Nov. 9, 1937, at St. Mark Lutheran Church in New Germany by the Rev. Theodore Rolf.

Leila worked at Molded Products and the J.R. Clark Company for several years. She belonged to the St. Mark Ladies Aid, and also sang in the church choir for over 50 years.

Leila enjoyed sewing, quilting, gardening, and yard work; and especially, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Audrey; parents Otto and Laura Kohls; son-in-law Harlan Wolter; father-in-law and mother-in-law Herman and Erna Brelje; sister and brother-in-law Elvira and Waldon Wolff; brothers and sisters-in-law Marvin and Cora Kohls, Walden and Viola Kohls, and Donna Kohls; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Arnold and Mildred Thalman, Ralph and Clarice Stender, Rueben and Marcille Brelje, and Erwin Buckentine.

Leila is survived by her loving family: daughter and son-in-law Myra and Larry Lawrenz of Winterhaven, FL; son Dennis “Fritz” Brelje of New Germany; grandchildren Tamara Weik, Kimberly (Ty) Geerdes, Keith Brelje, Daniel Brelje, and Rachele Knudten; great-grandchildren Amber (Kenneth) Van Den Top, Grant Geerdes, Laura Weik, Ellen Weik, Katelyn Knudten, and Nicholas Knudten; and great-great-grandchildren Addisyn and Victoria Van Den Top.

She is further survived by a brother, Delmont Kohls of Eden Prairie; sister-in-law Margaret Buckentine of Hamburg; nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

The funeral service took place Thursday, Jan. 26 at 11 a.m. at St. Mark Lutheran Church in New Germany with the Rev. Adam Gless officiating. There was visitation from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. Interment was at St. Mark Lutheran Cemetery.

Casket bearers were Mark Kohls, Bruce Kohls, Stan Schultz, Gary Yaeck, Scott Wolter, Keith Brelje, and Delton Brelje.

Arrangements were with the Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia; www.johnsonfh.com.

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