Kurt J. Leonard of Shoreview died on March 30, 2025. Born in 1939 on a farm near Holstein, Iowa, he graduated from Holstein High School in 1958. He earned a botany degree at Iowa State University in 1962 and a Ph.D. in plant pathology from Cornell University in 1968.

From 1968 to 1988, Kurt worked as a research plant pathologist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and as adjunct professor of Plant Pathology at North Carolina State University.

From 1988 to 2001 he was director of the USDA, ARS Cereal Disease Laboratory, and an adjunct professor of Plant Pathology at the University of Minnesota's St. Paul campus. After retirement, Kurt continued to research and write until 2007.

Kurt published more than 130 research articles and 3 books. He described one new genus and several new species of parasitic fungi. His work took him all over the US and every continent except Antarctica. He was named a Fellow of the American Phytopathological Society in 1983.

His family would like you to know that he did not work all the time, loved classical music, participated in his children's interests, and had the best sense of humor.

Kurt is survived by his wife of nearly 64 years Maren Leonard; daughter Maria Tyrrell of Rochester, MN, daughter Mary (Steve) Adah of Boyds, MD, son Ben (Amy) Leonard of Red Wing; 8 grandchildren; and 2 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by brothers Gary (Mary Ann), formerly of Austin MN; and John (Susan) of Ely; and sisters, Christine Wiese (Dave Weber) of Holstein, IA; and Irene (Phil) Richardson of Kirksville, MO. He was preceded in death by his father, Elvin; mother, Irene; and older brother, David, of Mondamin, IA.

A brief gathering for family, friends, and former colleagues is planned for June 29th at 2pm at Washburn-McReavy Shoreview Chapel, 515 Hwy 96 West. In lieu of flowers, please write your legislators and tell them to value government workers.