Reverend Leroy A. Johnsrud, age 97, of Mount Horeb formerly of Castle Rock, WI passed away on November 13, 2019 at the Ingleside Manor in Mt. Horeb, WI. He was born on February 6, 1922 in Fennimore the son of Peter and Gertrude (Everson) Johnsrud.
Leroy graduated from Fennimore High School and felt the calling to become a minister. He attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN. World War II broke out, and more chaplains were needed. He was sped through college, attending St. Mary’s in Winona, MN and finally to Gustavus Adolphus in St. Peter, MN. He met Carolyn Rein and on September 16, 1945 they were united in marriage and later had five children.
Leroy completed his studies and received his Masters Degree in Theology at Luther Theological Seminary in St. Paul, MN. He began his career at a parish in Pulaski, WI but answered the call to be a missionary in Japan. He served there from 1950 until returning home in 1967. Leroy later chaired the Board of Missions for the A.L.C. and in 1980 travel to China, Formosa and Japan. Leroy continued to serve his home congregation, Castle Rock Lutheran Church until he retired at the age of 90.
After his wife of 50 years, Carolyn, passed away, Leroy was united in marriage to Carol for 20 years. He felt very blessed and honored to have had these two great women in his life.
Leroy enjoyed gardening and being outside working in the soil, and visiting with people to share wonderful stories about life. He had a wonderful smile, and a warm heart that will be forever cherished.
Leroy is survived by his four children; Maren (Rob) Wegner, Steve (Laurie) Johnsrud, Marge Johnsrud, and Cynthia Viise, Carol’s children; Randy (Cathy) Johnson, Philip (Deni) Johnson, Scott Johnson, Jill (Robert) Sheppard, grandchildren; Nathanael (Thavy) Anderson, Jesse Anderson, Joel Anderson, Serena (Ben) Vondra, Allison Miles, Kyle (Rachel) Johnson, Staci Johnson, Tyler Johnson, Jackson Krauter, Sam Johnson, Max Johnson, Jacob Sheppard, Ben Sheppard, great grandchildren; Sedona Vondra, Isla Vondra, and Ella Johnson; sister Lorraine (Kermit) Rink, and sister-in-law Audrey (Skip) Braden.
Leroy was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Carolyn on September 7, 1995, second wife Carol on April 12, 2017, son Peter, brother Glen (Janice) Johnsrud, sister Marilyn (Paul) Gilberts.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, November 22, 2019 at the Castle Rock Lutheran Church with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4-7:00 P.M. on Thursday November 21, 2019 at the Larson Family Funeral Home in Fennimore and from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service at the church on Friday morning. Memorials may be given to the Castle Rock Lutheran Church in loving memory of Reverend Leroy A. Johnsrud.
The family thanks the staff at Ingelside Manor in Mount Horeb for their loving care.