Robert A. Leifeld

Robert "Bob" Leifeld, age 72, of Hampton, died unexpectedly Sunday, December 7, 2014 at the Mayo Health System ~ Cannon Falls. Bob was born February 1, 1942 in Hastings, MN to August and Marie (Rother) Leifeld. He attended Bethlehem Academy in Faribault and graduated with the class of 1959. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves and was Honorably Discharged as a Staff Sergeant after eight years of service. He married his high school sweetheart, Caroline Manderfeld on September 28, 1963. Bob was a loving husband and father, successful dairy farmer for many years, actively involved as a trustee of the St. Josephs Catholic Church, President and member of the Dakota County Holstein Association, charter member of Knights of Columbus Vermillion Council #5199, Hastings Coop Creamery Board, Douglas Township Planning Commission, Hampton Township Board, and River Country Coop Board. Some of his achievements include winning: Overall Grand Champion at the Minnesota State Fair in 1959 with his favorite Holstein, Diane; in recognition of exceptional progress in agriculture and contributions to the community, he was a runner up for the Minnesotas Outstanding Young Farmer Award in 1978; and received other various awards from the Dakota County Dairy Herd Improvement Association. Spending time with family and friends was extremely important to Bob. Other interests include Miesville Marigolds 4-H, bowling, softball, watching Westerns, hunting, making venison sausage, fishing on Burrows Lake, snowmobiling, antiquing, playing cards, and eating cookie dough. His dream car was a 1957 Skylark. He obtained his private pilots license, is well-known for helping others no matter the task, and is known for the phrase "Its too soon to tell." He was preceded in death by his parents August and Marie; children Robert Anthony Jr. and Antony Francis; and by his grandson Adam Robert Lieser. Bob is survived by his wife of 51 years, Carol; his children, Catherine, Michael, Michelle, Theresa (Chris) Lieser, Robert (Janet), and Thomas (Stacie); his grandchildren, Daniel (Kristi) Reis, Jonathan (Laura) Reis, Michael, Amanda, Katie Doucette, Mitchell, Matthew, Anthony Doucette, Dresdon, and Jaxson; his great grandchildren, Hunter, Kaia, Elle, and Emerson; his aunts, Francis (Roger) Leifeld and Kathleen Leifeld; sisters, Lolly (Robert) Denn and MaryLu (Warren) Steigauf, and by nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, December 12, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Miesville, with Father Stan Mader officiating. Private family interment will be held at a later date. Visitation will be held AT CHURCH on Thursday from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. and for one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. The Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday evening. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred in memory of Bob.