Adrian Francis Ledermann Alexandria, Minnesota Obituary

Adrian Francis Ledermann

<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Adrian F. Ledermann, age 83, died suddenly at his home near Brandon, on Saturday, August 8, 2020.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Adrian was born on October 25, 1936 to parents John and Pauline Ledermann on the family farm. He attended country grade school at Wide View School, District 48 and high school in Brandon.&nbsp; After graduation, he received mechanical training at Hanson Trade School in Fargo ND, and became an auto mechanic for Syvrud Ford dealership in Alexandria for nearly four years.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He served for six months in the National Guard at Fort Ord, California and during that time learned of his calling to the religious life. He then attained a Bachelor Degree at St. John&rsquo;s University in Collegeville before continuing his studies for the priesthood at the Catholic University in Washington D.C.&nbsp; Adrian was ordained in the St. Cloud diocese in 1966 and had his first mass at St. Mary&rsquo;s Catholic Church in Alexandria that summer.&nbsp; He assisted parishes in St. Cloud before being assigned to Newman Center ministry on the campus of St. Cloud State college for nearly ten years.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Always demonstrating a strong belief in ecumenism, He was excited to be granted a sabbatical for a year of study in Boston attending several colleges studying other religions and also leading young seminarians to study in Israel. Upon completion of this study abroad, Adrian was assigned to St. Mary&rsquo;s Catholic Church in Breckenridge, Minnesota.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Adrian was united in marriage to Gale Maxwell in October 1986 and continued his ministry with the Methodist Church in Onamia including as a hospital chaplain and then as a pastor in Lindstrom and Princeton for twelve years.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; After his retirement and moving to a hill overlooking Lake Chippewa on the family farm, Adrian remained very active in ministry until his death, becoming a member of not only one church, but several..... United Methodist Church, Shalom Lutheran Church, Bethesda Lutheran Church and St. Mary&rsquo;s Catholic Church.&nbsp; Carrying not only a belief in ecumenism, but practicing it, was Adrian, through and through.&nbsp; His toleration and respect for all religions in the world and even those who did not openly profess a faith was evident in the many homilies and sermons that he gave throughout his life.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Golf, fishing, skiing, hiking, biking, small engine mechanics, maple syruping, gardening, and assisting his nephew John and brothers in grain and grape farming were all things he loved. In sports, he was an outstanding athlete even placing in the running events at the National Senior Games only five years ago.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; His commitment to make this a better country and world also carried him into politics and civil service, serving as township clerk and Democratic Party County Chair for many years. Many have seen his frequent &ldquo;letters to the editor&rdquo; voicing his opinion of political subjects.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Adrian will be sadly missed, loved but not forgotten, by so many, but we are all fortunate to have known him and become better persons because of his work here on earth!&nbsp; He was preceded in death by an infant brother Leo; an infant sister, Angela; a teenaged sister, Elaine; a sister, Theresa and his father, John; and mother, Pauline. He is survived by his wife, Gale; step-daughter Leah (Andre); brothers Jerome (Betty), Florian (Joann) Benedict (Annette), and Philip (Julie) plus many nieces and nephews and their children.</p> <p>A Private family burial will take place with a Memorial Service at a later date.&nbsp; In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Habitat for Humanity, American Red Cross, a charity or church of your choice.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
October 25, 1936 - August 8, 202010/25/193608/08/2020
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Fr Jeff Ethen
August 25, 2020
Adrian was a mentor who helped me see beyond the obvious of my Catholic priesthood ministry; particularly the social justice Gospel. His mother was parish housekeeper when I was the associate at Alexandria and I saw him when he visited her. My mother and Adrian were chil... Continue Reading
Roger Flyer
August 19, 2020
Dear Gale- We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Adrian. May you know the peace of Christ during this time. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Roger and Marnie Parrish-Siggelkow
David B Wheeler
August 17, 2020
Adrian had a sweetness about him, and I was delighted to be a colleague in ministry with him. We usually catch up at Annual conferences or other meetings. His gentle spirit was always a gift. Peace and blessings to you all!
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Sharon Stevens
August 17, 2020
Adrian welcomed my parents to Onamia UMW. They both moved to Onamia from North Dakota in their later years. He officiated at their funerals. I am forever grateful. In addition he was appreciated by all at Mille Lacs Health System as Chaplain.
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Carolyn Corcoran
August 16, 2020
I am blessed to have known this gentle man when I was at Newman in the 70s .... he schooled me in reality, with the  grounded person  he was, his awareness of the land, his acceptance of people,  his gentleness with any creature.   We are all more open because we were to... Continue Reading
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Delores Dufner
August 15, 2020
Adrian was a person who acted on his convictions and challenged others to do the same, not in a confrontational way, but in an encouraging, affirming way. He was willing to swim against the current and "stick his neck out" on issues of justice. His authenticity empowered... Continue Reading
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Mari Johnson
August 12, 2020
I was fortunate to have been a member at Newman Center when Adrian served there.I remember him as caring , always a good listener, and he had a wonderful sense of humor.  Thoughts and prayers to you ,Gale .Heaven gained a great addition.
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Dannielle & Bill Manthey
August 12, 2020
We were saddened to learn of Adrian’s sudden passing. He married us at the Newman Center in 1977. Though we have lost touch with him since, Bill remembers fondly playing football and basketball with him after high school. What a wonderful life he lead!! Rest In Peace and... Continue Reading
A candle was posted for Adrian Francis Ledermann.
A candle was posted for Adrian Francis Ledermann.
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Leah Nelson
August 11, 2020
My mother, Gale, would like to share this remembrance from Adrian's dear friend, Sr. Katherine Kraft, OSB:

It’s impossible to capture the “Adrianness” of Adrian. When I think of him - this is what comes to mind.
Adrian was steady, strong, stable, principled, reliable...
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1 comment
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Katherine Kraft
August 11, 2020
Many Sisters at Saint Benedict's Monastery knew and respected Adrian for his years of ministry and most of all because of who he was and what he did in whatever community he ministered so generously. They are remembering him, his wife and family in prayer. May they be com... Continue Reading
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Gaye Mounsdon and the Emmert family
August 10, 2020
We so enjoyed his time with us at my Mother's commital service on Friday in Alexandria- always so willing to quietly remind us of God's love as well as sharing his personal journey. I am so sad to think that was his last time ministering and will miss his eager smile and... Continue Reading
Hands In Prayer was posted for Adrian Francis Ledermann.
Hands In Prayer was posted for Adrian Francis Ledermann.