Leo Henry Coequyt

Leo Henry Coequyt was born on October 18, 1936 at the family farm outside of Taunton, MN to Marie (Leona) and Henry Coequyt. The family moved to four different farm sites in the Taunton/Minneota area until finally settling at the current farm site outside of Minneota. He grew up with his sister Joan, brother Johnny, brother Leonard, sister Joanie, brother Pat, and sister Gloria. Growing up, Leo was an adventurous young man who enjoyed activities like walking a 12 inch plank from the top of the silo with his cousin and partner in crime, Joe Wambeke. He had a scientific mind that always yearned to learn more. His compassionate heart could not resist rescuing every animal he could find; ranging from a little bunny that ate the stuffing out of the family couch to a pet crow that loved shiny objects and stole the keys out of the new combine. He played football in high school where he was kicked in the head during a game and forgot how to put on his pants for two days. He loved the arts and photography. Many found loved taking photos but never liked to be in them. After high school he attended Mankato State University where he graduated with degrees in Biology and Social Sciences. Then he went back to the family farm where he helped his father, who had been diagnosed with Parkinsons, manage the family farm. He was encouraged by the local veterinarian to attend the University of Minnesota School of Veterinary Sciences. After a semester at the U of M he decided to quit, “because his professor weeded out the dummies and the smarties and he was one of the dummies.” He was able to use his extensive knowledge of Latin and passion of the sciences and medical profession while teaching high school in Adrian, Minneota and finally Lynd, Minnesota. Where he taught and MC’ed many of the social events for 13 years while continuing full time farming. He met his wife, Helen at a piano bar in Ghent, MN and they were married on August 17, 1968 at St. Eloi Catholic Church. Leo had his first child, Sonya Marie on May 24, 1969 and his first son Steven Paul on June 26, 1971. Four years later his second daughter Nicolle Anne arrived on September 13, 1975. In 1979 he quit teaching in June to focus on his farm and the increasing size of his brood by two in September. His twin boys Matthew Henry and Michael William were born on September 13, 1979. Although every sort of animal was once raised on his farm, they primarily raised swine. Many have recounted his meticulous farming methods and interest in biological sciences. Leo enjoyed traveling with his wife and kids; taking two weeks off every year to travel to different states. The family often headed to Sioux Falls, SD for short weekend getaways. He took his first solo plane ride to visit his sister Gloria in Santa Fe, New Mexico in July of 2011. He continued to travel with his wife after they were both retired choosing the warm Florida climate in the winters over the harsh Minnesota snowstorms. Being cold was something he detested more than anything. In the later parts of his life he was often seen wearing a stocking cap and heavy flannel or a jacket on a hot summer day. Leo peacefully passed away on September 18, 2014 at 9:50 am in his home surrounded by his family and a chorus of “goodbye’s” and “I love you’s” from his grandchildren. He often joked with his students that, “the shop crew could make [his] coffin out of extra wood pallets and they could send it down to home ec and have them put in the padding.” It seemed fitting that he be buried in a ceramic urn made by his granddaughter Paige. He will be gravely missed by his wife, Helen, of Minneota; daughter Sonya (and Dean) Olevson of Carver, son Steven (and Casey) Coequyt of Marshall, daughter Nicolle (and Mike) Berg of Apple Valley, son Michael (and Nicky) Coequyt of Minneota, son Matthew (and Emily) of Minneota; grandchildren Paige and Karl Jorgensen, Hannah Olevson, Brenden Olevson, Collin Olevson, Jasz Coudron, Tyrus Coudron, Lincoln Berg, Oliver Berg, Winston Berg, Lydia Coequyt, Leah Coequyt, Laney Coequyt, Bretten Coequyt, Jaylyn Coequyt, Nolan Coequyt, and great grandchild Ada Jorgensen. He is preceded in death by father Henry, mother Marie (Leona), sister Joan and brother Johnny.