Kermit Elton Leidal, 93, formerly of Austin, Minn., died Jan. 31, 2013, at the Homestead Hospice House at Owatonna, Minn.

Kermit was born Nov. 20, 1919, on a farm near London, Minn., the son of Albert and Laura (Berguson) Leidal. Kermit attended area schools and worked the family farm until he entered the U.S. Army in 1941. He was stationed in many posts overseas, including Iwo Jima. He returned home on leave to marry his longtime sweetheart Helen Marie Watney on Nov. 7, 1943, at the Deer Creek Lutheran Church. Following Kermit’s discharge, the couple started farming near the Leidal family farm. In 1963, he and Helen purchased a 120-acre farm in Oakland Township of Freeborn County. In 1983, they retired from the farm and moved into Austin and in 2008 they sold the farm.

In 1950, the Leidals adopted a son Mark and in 1952 a daughter Susan. They were members of the Trondhjem Lutheran church while living on the farm and joined Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Austin after moving to town. In retirement, Kermit and Helen enjoyed traveling, and Kermit began golfing and started bowling. Mark took his father to the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C.

Kermit was preceded in death by his parents, wife Helen in 2010, sisters Clara Leidal and Anna Dorlye, and brothers Quentin and Glen Leidal.

He is survived by his son Mark Leidal, Dodge Center, Minn.; daughter, Susan Goodnature, Austin, Minn.; grandchildren, Kelly Goodnature, Mankato, Minn., Kerri Ellegard, Austin, Minn., Kristy Ellegard and John Rathke, Austin, Minn., Rory and Reina Ellegard, Chandler, Ariz., K.C. Leidal, Dodge Center; four great-grandchildren, Karter, Kole, Ashley and Kaylee; brother, Curtis Leidal, Northwood, Iowa; close family friend, Laurie Oelslager; nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held at noon on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2013, at the Clasen-Jordan Mortuary with the Rev. Glenn L. Monson officiating. Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery with Austin Post No. 91 American Legion in charge of military rites. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. Tuesday until the time of the service.