Leland John Dilling, 83, of Albert Lea, passed away on Friday March 29, 2024, at home surrounded by family.

Leland John Dilling

A memorial service will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Salem Lutheran Church, with a visitation beginning at 10:00AM. Burial will be at Lakewood Cemetery in Albert Lea. The service will be livestreamed and can be viewed by visiting www.BonnerupFuneralService.com

He was born June 14, 1940, in Albert Lea, Minnesota. He attended and graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1958. He entered the US Navy and served on the USS Essex until he was discharged in 1961.

He married Sharon Urbatch on June 23, 1962, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Kensett, Iowa, and together they had two sons. Leland was a lifelong member of Salem Lutheran Church where he was baptized, confirmed, served on the church counsel and was a frequent usher and participated with Sew ‘N Tell. He was employed by Wilson Foods, Owatonna People’s Press, and retired from Four Seasons Coffee.

Leland enjoyed fishing trips to Canada with sons, grandsons, and friends every spring for 19 years, as well as annual family trips fishing up North. He loved to read Westerns, gardening with Sharon and spending time with grandsons and great-grandchildren. He was a member of the American Legion Post 56, as well as the Freeborn County Historical Museum.

Leland is survived by his wife of 61 years Sharon; his son, Todd (Kim) Dilling, of Scandia, MN; grandson, Nate (Amanda) Dilling, great- granddaughters, Eleanor and Meredith, of Rapid City, SD; grandson, Zach (Mariah) Dilling; great-grandson, Austin Wayne, of Green Bay, WI; daughter-in-law, Carol McKnight; brother, Paul (Judy) Dilling, of Albert Lea, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his son, Wayne Dilling; his parents, John and Helen Dilling; and his in-laws, Eldred and Lucille Urbatch.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the St. Croix Hospice staff who provided comfort and care to Leland and family at their time of need.

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the Salem Lutheran Church Roof Fund.