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Stanley LEONARD Obituary

Age 89 Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and veteran, died September 1, 2020, surrounded by loving family at his home in St. Paul, MN. Dr. Leonard was the go-to pediatrician for generations of children and young adults in St. Paul at his private practice, Pediatric and Young Adult Medicine, where he practiced medicine for over 45 years. He had an amazing and rare ability to see what others could not see and come up with just the right diagnosis for the rarest of diseases. He always treated and cared for each patient with care, precision, skill, kindness and dignity. He not only looked after their physical needs and issues, but was deeply involved in counseling and finding mental health resources for young children and adolescents. He truly loved what he did and was always there for each and every one of his patients at all times of the day and night.

After tirelessly advocating in the community and with the government for pediatric mental health beds, he started the first State Mental Health program at Children's Hospital. That Program today remains as part of his legacy. Even after retirement, he continued to dedicate his time for and in support of State mental health issues. He leaves a community and a world with tens of thousands of grateful multi-generational patients and families whose lives he has saved and touched forever.

Dr. Leonard graduated with honors from the University of Minnesota Medical School in 1955. He had a special interest in Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes. Throughout his long and storied career, he received many distinguished honors and awards. He served as the youngest Chief of Staff at Children's Minnesota Hospital — St. Paul and was recognized by the American Academy of Pediatrics for his long and distinguished career. He served as President of the Greater Twin Cities Diabetes Association and was a Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Minnesota Medical School from 1976 to 2005. In 2005, upon his retirement, the Dr. Stanley A. Leonard Pediatric Mental Health Lecture Series was established at Children's Minnesota Hospital — St. Paul. In 2012, Dr. Leonard was awarded "As an Honored Clinical Pediatric Faculty Member for his years of dedicated service as an Outstanding Community Educator of Medical Students and Residents" from the University of Minnesota Medical School Department of Pediatrics. Dr. Leonard served as a Lieutenant Commander and physician in the U.S. Navy stationed in San Diego. Dr. Leonard attended Breck High School, in Minneapolis, where he was an All-Conference football, hockey and #1 tennis player as well as a golden gloves boxer. He was also awarded a Distinguished Alumnus in 1992.

You can't speak about Dr. Leonard without including his lifelong beautiful wife, Suzanne. Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother, partner and soulmate, their storybook marriage and love story of 68 years is once in a lifetime and unparalleled. They have always had each other's back, no matter what. How beautiful it was to be in their presence. Together they raised a beautiful family of four children, 9 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild, where they instilled their kindness, love, compassion, humility, generosity and caring for others. Dr. Leonard's motto was, "ALWAYS BE MINDFUL OF THE NEEDS OF OTHERS". That he was, and that they were together, all the way to the end. This world is a much better place because of them both.

In everything he did, Dr. Leonard drew on a reservoir of enthusiasm and optimism. He was always in good humor with that sly wit of his and had a smile and a good word for everyone he met. He was also quite a practical joker. He would tell everyone to "always keep your sense of humor and more importantly, to always keep your sense of humor about yourself". He never spoke unkindly of anyone. He was always quick to help a total stranger wherever he went, often times coming to their rescue to fulfill his own "Hippocratic Oath". Even when he was on vacation, he would stop and tend to anyone in need, always putting others first. He had a special relationship with each of his children, close and meaningful and he carried that through with his wonderful grand children. He encouraged everyone to find the beauty in things and have a deep respect for nature and humanity and to always seek knowledge. He traveled the world with his beautiful wife Sue, but loved most to be at their lake home on Balsam Lake. There, he was also a gentleman gardener, cultivating his prized dinner plate dahlias and roses. An avid outdoorsman, he found peace in nature and on the waterfishing, sailing and skiing. He was also an avid and accomplished photographer, particularly of nature and wild life. His work was showcased in a one-man show at the Bell Museum at the University of Minnesota and also in Naples, FL. He played the piano beautifully by ear. Stan and Sue were lifelong patrons of the arts and regulars at concerts. Music was a very important part of his family life right up until the end. Dr. Stanley Leonard will be remembered fondly and with love, respect and deep gratitude for being the physician, professor and mentor that everyone could count on and the loving husband, caring parent, grandparent and great grandparent, along with his outstanding character and unwavering integrity and for his boundless kindness and bottomless generosity for all. With all of his enormous accomplishments and contributions, it is what he always told and also taught his children and grandchildren that is his most important legacy, that in a world that could be tough and unforgiving, he urged and taught them all to "ALWAYS BE MINDFUL OF THE NEEDS OF OTHERS.." He always was.

He is preceded in death by parents Philip Owen and Susan Pauline Leonard. He is survived by his loving wife Suzanne, children Mark Leonard, TerriBeth L. Edwards (Brooks), Todd Leonard (Beth), Cynthia L. Garr (Michael) and his 9 grandchildren Daniel Leonard (Ari), Zachary Leonard (Nikki), Jeremy Edwards (Nicole), Max Edwards, Alyssa Garr (Shawn Abelson), Eli Leonard, Jessica Edwards (Daniel Goodman), Sarah Garr (David Parker), Jacob Garrand his great grandson, Theodore S. Leonard. He is also survived by his twin brother, Dr. Arnold S. Leonard (Mary z'l) and his brother in law, Stanley Wolfson (Corinne z'l) and many nieces, nephews and extended family as well as his thousands of grateful patients and their families.

The family wants to acknowledge Lisa Holden for her loving, compassionate care and devotion. We also want to acknowledge Lilydale Senior Living staff for their support. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to: Children's Hospital Foundation of Minnesota Dr. Stanand Suzanne Leonard Mental Health Program or the donor's choice. https:// give.childrensmn.org/page/14140/ donate/1 Page 3 of donation form under "other" write in "FUND ID 41448" Following a private burial,a zoom memorial service will be at 7:00pm on THURSDAY, September 3, 2020. A zoom Shiva service will be at 7:00pm on Monday, September 7, 2020. Please email zoom4@hodroff epstein.com for the links. Hodroff- Epstein 612-871-1234 www.hodroffepstein.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Pioneer Press on Sep. 3, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Stanley LEONARD

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Richard Huber

August 28, 2024

He saved my newborn daughters life 5/20/1972 on a Saturday night at 11:00. Such a wonderful man. Richard Huber

Rachel Gunderson

October 29, 2020

Dear Leonard Family, I'm so sorry to hear about Dr. Leonard's passing. I met him only for a short amount of time about nine years ago at Breck School. I was in fourth grade at the time and I interviewed Dr. Leonard for an article in Today at Breck. Since I was young, I have aspired to become a pediatrician and I was given the opportunity to ask Dr. Leonard about his path to becoming a doctor and his experience treating kids. He took much care in answering my questions and encouraged me to keep pursuing my long-held dream of becoming a doctor. That short time I spent with him has left a great impact on my life—I recently graduated from Breck in the class of 2020 and I'm now attending Brown as a pre-med student. I hope one day I can leave an impression on a young person's life as large as Dr. Leonard left on mine. Sending my best, Rachel.

October 24, 2020

Dr Leonard was my doctor until I was in my mid 30s. I was a sick a lot as a child with strep and ear infections and had my touncils out at the age of three. I spent many hours at the clinic and only looked forward to the reward at the end of a visit, the little dum dum lollipop. As an adult, I could not find a doctor who was took the time to get to know my health issues like Dr Leonard. Every time I would be misdiagnosed, I would call Dr Leonard and he would fit me in his schedule. He always went above and beyond for everyone.

Much gratitude for Dr Leonard and for his family. He truly left a legacy.

Robert W. Geist MD

September 24, 2020

Stan Leonard. A dear man and friend has been lost but we will all cherish his memory until we too die. Stan, we all loved you.
Bob and Rosemary Geist, the parents of 7 children, who Stan so carefully nurtured. in the beginning of their lives.

Todd

September 5, 2020

I'm so sad to hear of of his passing. I literally would not be here with out him. In 1976 I was 4yrs old when I was kicked by a horse and ruptured my spleen. Stanley and his brother performed a splenectomy on me and saved my life. I am so lucky to have met such a great man. My thoughts and prayers to Leonard family.

Dan Dolan

September 5, 2020

Dear Leonard Family,
I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of Dr. Leonard. He was such a terrific guy who will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. He was our family physician for years and was an awesome doctor with the best bedside manner.
With deepest sympathy,
Dan Dolan

Michael Braman

September 5, 2020

What a wonderful, kind and generous man. I am so saddened by his passing. I knew him in four capacities. First, he was my pediatrician. I remember my parents driving me to his home so he could analyze my finger after having been bitten by a gopher trapped by a friend. And I remember the countless penicillin shots he gave me for ear infections and sore throats. Next, I knew him as the father of my friend Mark Leonard. Then, I knew him as an avid tennis player playing his nemesis Dr. Redleaf at the St. Paul Tennis Club where I taught tennis. And last, I knew him as the pediatrician for my three children. I remember a time, when my wife was hospitalized out of state, I was preparing for a trial the next day and I had to take my young daughter to the emergency room on a Sunday night. My two other young children were at home alone. When I got to the emergency room around 7:00 p.m., I was told there was going to be a 4-5 hour wait. So I called Dr. Leonard at home and explained the situation to him. He said I could swing by his house with my daughter. I have always been so grateful for that act of kindness. Another time, when visiting one of my children at the hospital late one night, I ran into him. He once again gave me moral support. He was always so kind and supportive and a blessing to this world. He was revered by so many.

The Plourde/McBride/Kealy Family

September 5, 2020

My eyes filled with tears when I read this. Dr. Leonard saved the life of my 22 month old daughter who fell ill with a mystery disease in late 1971. He saved her life more than once in her 6 WEEK stay at what was called Children's Hospital. She had a disease that was called meningiococcemia ...now it's known as Meningitis B. I will never, ever forget him. She grew up to be a wonderful, WONDERFUL woman who's now a mother herself. So to Dr. Leonard's family, our gratitude is bottomless. I'm sure the pain of your loss is beyond words... but know that so many strangers are out here thanking him over and over and over. God Bless You All!

Ricae Xiong

September 4, 2020

I remember the first time I met him. I got there early at PYAM grand Ave location, he was parked in the parking lot and even though he was retired, he was heading to Children’s Hospital to see other colleagues and friends. We had a quick exchange of “Hi” and “Have a good day.” He was friendly and smiled brightly. He will be missed. Sending my deepest sympathies during this time Dr. Cynthia Garr. Wishing you and family peace and comfort.

Linda Vitale Salute

September 4, 2020

It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that we offer our deepest and sincere condolences. Dr Leonard was a wonderful and caring person. He had been like an honorary family member for more than 60 years, and his kindness, and his gentle heart will always be in our memories. We pray that his wife and his entire family can find comfort in remembering a wonderful man that helped thousands of children (and their family) throughout his life. We will always remember him with affection and know that his memory will never fade away. Please extend our deepest and sincere condolences to his wife and his entire family.

Joan Happe

September 4, 2020

MY FATHER CALLED ME THE MORNING OF SEPTEMBER 3,2020 to say that Dr.Leonard had left this earth. THAT MOMENT IN TIME STOOD STILL FOR ME.

Dr. Leonard was my pediatrician as a child. My 2 sons bore the fruits of his care as well.

I will never forget a visit to the Grand Ave. office in 1982. My son was 1-1/2 having already weathered 2 surgeries with Dr.Leonard at our side.

On that day I watched as Dr.Leonard held my sons small face in his hands as he looked at my son and said “ what a beautiful face! Doctor loves you ...”

Today I say to Dr. Leonard and his entire family “I LOVE YOU ! “ GOD BLESS

JOAN HAPPE

María C McClure

September 4, 2020

My brother went to school with his son Mark. I was between jobs, so my brother took me to meet him. He hired me and I went to work at his busy clinic across from Children’s and Saint Luke’s. He was incredibly intelligent, energetic and full of love.
He had a zest for life and he was a forever athlete. His wicked sense of humor was renowned. Enjoy the afterlife Dr Leonard.
Love Maria McClure

Richard Huber

September 4, 2020

He saved my daughters life when she was 30 minutes old. She is now 48 with three children of her own.

Therese Linscheid

September 4, 2020

Forever in my heart! My very first memory of Dr. Leonard was when I was very young. I'm from a family of 11 but there were probably only 7 of us at the time. We were all too sick to take the bus to the office with my mom so Dr. Leonard made a house call. I remember he had to chase me around the dining room table to catch me. He swung me up and I had a quick shot in the rump before I knew what was happening. He was really good at giving shots that didn't hurt.
He was my doctor until I was too old to be going to a pediatric clinic.
Later when I was a new mother and didn't have insurance , I was going to a free clinic nearby. Something was wrong with the baby and they told me "when he starts having seizures, bring him back in"

Well, as soon as I could get to a phone I called Dr. Leonard in a panic. I told him they wanted to butcher my baby. - The very next day we had an appointment with Dr. Leonard, had a CT Scan done and were put in contact with a neurosurgeon. I applied for medical assistance and they told me it could take a month or more to hear back. Well, a few days later a social worker called and told me to tell Dr. Leonard to stop pestering them. Apparently he was on the phone with them constantly until they HAD to OK my son's surgery. I am and will be forever grateful for him.
May his memory be a blessing!

Judy Sheehan

September 4, 2020

A wonderful Doctor for my son and nieces and nephews.

Susan Sencer

September 4, 2020

I am so sorry to hear about Dr. Leonard. Stan was an amazing physician and mentor. Susan Sencer

Mary Lindgren

September 3, 2020

Two months before my son Tarik was born in 1990 I took a 'poll', asking fellow employees at St. John's Hospital who was the best pediatrician in St. Paul. Dr. Leonard was the unanimous recommendation. And so began a relationship my eventual two sons and I prized for many years.
Dr. Leonard was (needless to say) an outstanding physician; but beyond that, and as importantly, he was patient, reassuring, kind, and had such a marvelous dry wit I actually looked forward to seeing him despite my son's latest ailments.
We will remember Dr. Leonard fondly, and count ourselves very fortunate to have known him.
Mary Lindgren, Tarik and Tamir

Gloria Ciccone

September 3, 2020

Rest In Peace, Dr. Leonard . You helped me navigate all the childhood illnesses of my four children. I learned so much from you and you were always right !! God bless you and your family. You truly were a light in this world !

Bruce Wolfson

September 3, 2020

The world lost a great human being on Tuesday, my uncle, Dr. Stanley Leonard. He was definitely one of the most outstanding individuals that I’ve ever met. He was an integral part of my whole life, from birth to the present. He was my godfather. We spent lots of time together, and experienced many life events. I’m grateful that I got to say my goodbye to him recently. I have been truly blessed to have had him in my life. I wouldn’t be the person that I am today without him. My heart and love goes out to my Aunt Sue and to the whole Leonard clan. May he Rest In Peace. ❤❤❤ Bruce
Bruce & Mary Wolfson

Susan Cox

September 3, 2020

My heart is sad to learn about the passing of Dr. Leonard.

He became my pediatrician in 1967 and I have many vivid and fond memories of my visits to PYAM in downtown Saint Paul.

He was a brilliant doctor and I loved his dry humor as a child.

My thoughts and prayers are with your family as you say goodbye to a wonderful human being.

Mary Dupre

September 3, 2020

My deepest condolences to the Leonard family! Dr. Leonard was our pediatrician along time ago. I have very fond memories of him. Although his wicker tray he would carry around with him with shots and tongue depressors and bandaids always scared me as a kid. My mom said Dr. Leonard always wanted to take me home! I wish there were more doctors with his compassion and love for the profession.

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