LeRoy Quernemoen

LeRoy Quernemoen, 100, a lifelong resident of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, passed away Monday, October 19, 2026, at Park Gardens Assisted Living.

LeRoy was born April 21, 1926, in Fergus Falls to Melvin and Nan Quernemoen, he later graduated from Washington Senior High School in 1944. Following graduation, LeRoy was drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II. After training in Texas and Maryland, he was preparing for deployment to Europe when the war there ended. He was then sent to Okinawa and later served with U.S. occupation forces in Korea. LeRoy served with the 7th Infantry Division Quartermaster Corps and attained the rank of sergeant before being discharged in November 1946.

After returning to Fergus Falls, LeRoy worked as a milkman for the Fergus Falls Coop Creamery. Five years later, with the help of two local businessmen who loaned him money for his first milk truck, he started his own business. He owned and operated Quernemoen Dairy Service for 40 years before selling it to his son Brian Quernemoen, who continued the family business for another 22 years.

On July 20, 1947, LeRoy married Mary Ann Nelson, with whom he had corresponded for 18 months while serving overseas. They were married for 70 years.

LeRoy's faith and community were important throughout his life. A longtime member of First Baptist Church, now Crossroads Church, he served in numerous leadership and teaching roles. He was active in the Otter Risers Kiwanis Club, was named Kiwanian of the Year in 1980, volunteered as a Social Services driver until age 86, received the Distinguished Service Award in 2002, and was inducted into the Fergus Falls Sports Hall of Fame as a fan. He often joked about driving for Social Services that he had to help “the old people” get to and from their doctor’s appointments.

LeRoy was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann; his parents; and two brothers. He is survived by six children: Bruce (Lynn), Nancy Wagner, Diane (Merrill) Holmquist, Brian (Lisa), Marilee (Randy) Johnson, and Barry (Gretchyn); as well as 15 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. There are currently 80 total in the immediate family, LeRoy takes full credit for “starting it all”!

A Funeral Service will be 11 am, Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at Crossroads Church in Fergus Falls, MN, with a visitation beginning at 9:30 am. A Graveside ceremony will take place at Bethlehem Cemetery in Fergus Falls, MN. Arrangements with Glende-Nilson Funeral Homes.