Leo J. Hoehn

Leo Joseph Hoehn, son of Ed Hoehn and Salleen Hoehn, went home to God on December 11, 2016 at the age of 22. He was the third of six children, born on June 22, 1994 at Owatonna Hospital in MN.

He was baptized and later confirmed in his faith in 2011 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Waseca, MN. He attended Sacred Heart Elementary and also St. Agnes Elementary in Scottsbluff, NE. He loved to learn about God and had a lifelong curiosity about religion and the meaning of life.

As a toddler he was fearless, creative, inquisitive and loved to explore. He spent hours at a time building highly detailed castles and structures with building sets. He was naturally theatrical, costuming himself as Tarzan, Robin Hood, and a cowboy. When he was fully grown he did a surprise re-enactment of Tarzan on the lawn of the family's home (out in the country, thankfully), complete with his childhood costume's loincloth. As a child it could be argued that he did a better performance of the song "Sandy" from Grease than did John Travolta himself.

Leo loved all kinds of music, and enjoyed attending many Broadway musicals. He spent countless hours singing at the top of his lungs with his family at the piano. In junior high Leo began learning to play guitar, taking lessons from Jon Colton of Owatonna. He loved playing guitar and was blessed with a natural feel for the instrument, one that cannot be taught. He enjoyed making music with his brothers, Leo on guitar, Simon and John on drums and piano.

Leo had many interests, reading innumerable amounts of books, mostly about history. His dream was to visit Rome with his brothers to see the Coliseum. He enjoyed hunting, gaming, cooking, and spending time in the woods with his many cousins. He had ever-changing hair and beard styles, to the alternating dismay and entertainment of his family.

His soulful brown eyes always exuded warmth and acceptance. His beautiful smile was contagious and unforgettable. He was charming and charismatic. His handsome appearance was only outdone by his inner beauty and love for others, which was his defining characteristic.

He cherished his relationships with people, and he was drawn to those who were struggling, marginalized, had special needs or felt outcast. He had a natural rapport with children; they were drawn to him, and he was welcoming and encouraging to them. He wanted his siblings to soar where he felt he had failed, and took pride in their talents and achievements. He had unconditional love and loyalty to his siblings. Their bonds were unbreakable, unmatched, and envied.

He was so happy to have a baby in his arms, which magnified his gentle nature, his ease in wrapping them with love, and his protective way with not only children but everyone he loved. His nephews and nieces brought him so much joy. He was chosen Godfather to Clark, was a best buddy to Jack, and welcomed two new nieces, Sydney and Olive, into his arms this past year.

He shared a special bond with his grandmother, Sherri, who loves to tell the story of how Leo called her at 3:30am to meet him for coffee. She didn't mind that it was 3:30; if her grandson wanted to have coffee with "Granny," she was happy for the opportunity.

Leo was a gifted athlete, participating in football, wrestling, track, hockey, and baseball. He attended Waseca High School and was named both the captain and MVP of the football team, and led the defense "Black Jays." He was fast, strong, and graceful, and his loyalty to and protection of his teammates made him beloved. He inspired his teammates with encouraging locker room speeches and music. He was known as an explosive, aggressive, and fearless player, and it has been said that "his teammates were grateful to have Leo as a teammate and not as an opponent."

Leo excelled at track, and was a short-distance runner with lightning speed. He holds the school record in the 100 meter, 4 x 100 relay, and 4 x 200 relay. He was a two-time State Champion in the 4 x 100 relay and achieved, along with his track teammates, the State Team Championship.

Despite God-given beauty, talent, and intelligence, Leo struggled with substance abuse, and spent a time or two (or three) in jail. Leo made many friends during his journeys to Hazelden, MN Adult and Teen Challenge, and Fountain Center. After several hospitalizations he was ultimately diagnosed with Schizoaffective disorder. His illness brought him to know others who were battling illnesses at Owatonna Hospital Mental Health Unit, Safe Harbor, where he resided for three months, and HRC of Owatonna and Waseca. Special thanks to Dr. Wilson and Jamie Conrath for their compassion and fortitude.

While seeking treatment in South Dakota and following a tragic event, Leo died at Sanford USD Medical Center on December 11, 2016 at 4:32pm.

Leo is survived by his parents, Salleen Hoehn and Ed Hoehn of Waseca; his siblings, Sammie Hoehn (Grayson Neff), Andee Hoehn (Nick Durisen), Jacie, John, and Simon Hoehn; his grandmother, Sherri Schumacher; his nephews, Jack and Clark Durisen, and nieces, Sydney Durisen and Olive Neff; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Cletus Hoehn, Alice Hoehn, and Joe Schumacher, Jr., all of Waseca, MN.

Leo was a true warrior at heart, who would selflessly protect others, stand up to defend and strengthen those who were embattled, marginalized, or in need. He fought hardest of all against his own illness, and was full of dreams to fulfill. He wanted his life to have meaning; he wanted to do something great. That dream was fulfilled when he gave all of his major organs to several recipients in desperate need of transplant. They were given by Leo with 100% success, giving immeasurable meaning, purpose and greatness to his life. The family rejoices that his life has been used to give new life to others.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:30am Friday, December 16, 2016, at Church of the Sacred Heart, Waseca, with Father Gregory Leif officiating. Interment will be held at St. Marys Cemetery in St. Marys Township, Waseca County.
Visitation will be held 3:00 to 8:00pm Thursday at Church of the Sacred Heart in Waseca. There will be no public visitation on Friday morning.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI), MN Adult and Teen Challenge, and LifeSource Organ and Tissue Donation.
Pallbearers are Sammie Hoehn, Andee Hoehn, Jacie Hoehn, John Hoehn, Simon Hoehn, Kevin Ludden, Ty Mann, and Joey Schumacher.
Honorary pallbearers are Nick Durisen, Jack Durisen, Clark Durisen, Sydney Durisen, Grayson Neff, Olive Neff, Jerry Gleason, and Joette Gleason.
Arrangements are being completed by Starkson & Steffel Funeral & Cremation Services ~ McRaith Chapel in Waseca.