David C. de Leon, 66

David Charles de Leon, 66, passed away peacefully at home in Austin, Minnesota on Monday, June 24, 2024. He tolerated a great deal of pain and suffering from lung diseases for several years, but it did not stop him from “living life.”

David was the son of John and Donna (Kulenkamp) de Leon, and was born on November 25, 1957, in St. Paul, Minnesota. He was the youngest of three. David’s father passed away when David was three years old. Approximately five years later, his mother remarried (Leon Valdez) and together they had one child, Tony Valdez. The family moved to North Minneapolis and lived there until David graduated from North Community High School in 1975. While at “North,” David played on the golf team already showing great potential. Leon got David interested in golf at a young age, taking him to the course when he played. In his youth, David would caddy for golfers, some who have gone pro!

After high school, David married Bonnie Blomberg. They had three children: Christina, Joseph, and David. The marriage ended in divorce around the time the middle child, Joseph, started school with David gaining custody of his children. David was a proud family man who loved and entertained his children.

David attended Hennepin Technical College and obtained a degree in machine tool technology. He had an excellent work ethic which often came with promotions (and more schooling). Working for Olympic Steel Company he got certified in: Haas WIPS/VQCPS Probe Training; CNC Mill Programing Training; Haas Advanced CNC Mill Programing Training; Haas CNC Mill Operator Training.

David loved sports. He spent 25 years on a bowling league. He also coached three different softball teams all in a season. David was fortunate to have all three of his children on his team.

Besides working his job, David enjoyed volunteering and helping his community. He was proud of his Mexican heritage and often volunteered for the Cinco de Mayo parade in Westside St. Paul. He also enjoyed cooking delicious meals, especially Mexican food the authentic way.

David was always interested in current topics, current events, concerts, community events, volunteering, politics and music from past decades, especially the “Motown Sound.”

David and his current wife, Pam, went to the same junior high school (Sheridan Elementary in NE Minneapolis) and North High but never met each other until they were in their 50’s and discovered they had unknowingly crossed paths. They decided to get married in Las Vegas and after a few years, moved to Austin in 2018 at the suggestion of David’s physician because of his developing lung diseases.

David loved making people laugh, was a jokester, had a good sense of humor and was quick witted. He enjoyed helping people out. Being multi-skilled kept him busy and did exceptional work with whatever the task was. David had high respect for veterans, his doctors, and public service officials.

David’s biggest/deepest passions were golf, the Pittsburg Steelers, his children and grandchildren, the dog “Pd” who took great care with David; always watching over him.

David is survived by his wife, Pam; their dog “Pd”; his daughter, Christina; sons, David and Joseph; several grandchildren; sister, Jacky Wallin (St. Louis Park); brothers, John (Amber) de Leon, Phoenix, Arizona, and Tony Valdez, St. Louis Park; and mother, Donna de Leon Valdez.

A big appreciation and thank you to the “teams” at Mayo Clinic Austin, Rochester and St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester.

A Celebration of Life for friends in Austin and the surrounding area will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 802 Fourth Street SW, Austin with Pastor Mike Olmsted officiating.

David loved being with friends and enjoyed a good time, so let’s make his last party one to remember. Being he was a “die hard” Pittsburg Steeler’s fan, please join in by wearing “Steelers” anything or colors of black and yellow and have fun!

Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes assisted the family with arrangements.