John Reynolds Leger, 70, of Austin, Minnesota died peacefully on Monday, July 11, 2016, at his home, surrounded by his family.

He was born Sept. 2, 1945, in Elk River, Minnesota, the son of Arthur and Mathilda ‘Tillie’ (Hagel) Leger. After moving to Austin, he graduated from Pacelli High School in 1964. John was married to Pamela LaPolice in 1968 and they later divorced. John owned a car repair shop and drove a late model race car, No. 21, at area tracks in Minnesota and Iowa. He also provided plowing and snow removal services. Several years after high school, he served as a counselor at the Sheriff’s Boys Ranch. John made his living as a lineman, and worked as a sub-station construction foreman for NSP (now Excel Energy), retiring after almost 30 years. John was a member of the Drum and Bugle Corps, the IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) Local No. 160 for 43 years, and was an AA member since 1979. He was a Golden Gloves boxer and an avid water-skier. John will be dearly missed by his friends and family.

John is survived by his wife of 33 years, Jeanne Leger of Austin; his children: J. Pierre (Denise) Leger of Eagan, Minnesota, Andre Leger of Madison, Wisconsin, Francoise (Alex) Davis of Oronoco, Minnesota, Jacques (Katie) Leger of St. Paul, Minnesota, and Beau Leger, also of St. Paul; four grandchildren: Marcel and Jean-Roch Leger and Ava and Eve Burdick; brother Kurt (Mary) Leger of Marshalltown, Iowa; sisters: Rita (Fran) Barbeln of St. Michael, Minnesota, Mary “Marni” Leger of Sacramento, California, and Leone (Stanley) Evanoff of Oakdale, Minnesota; sisters-in-law: Ellen Leger of Outing, Minnesota, Janet Leger of Austin, Minnesota, Kitty Leger of Wichita, Kansas; and many other nieces, nephews and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Tillie Leger; and his brothers: Arthur Leger Jr., Robert Leger and Ronald Leger.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 16, 2016, at Grace Lutheran Church in Austin with Rev. Jeffrey Forbes officiating. Visitation will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, July 15, at Worlein Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. In accordance with John’s wishes, his body has been donated to the Mayo Clinic Anatomical Bequest Program. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.