Obituary of Leonard John Nadasdy

LEONARD JOHN NADASDY

Len Nadasdy left on his voyage of a lifetime Thursday, September 5^th, 2019 to be with his Lord and Savior. He was a Renaissance Man with many interests: - politics, numismatics, philately, history - especially Roman, gardening and travel. In his lifetime, he visited over 130 countries, all 50 US states and made long lasting friendships through his journeys. His home on Lake Sarah became a virtual museum of art and other items obtained on his travels. He was born on Oct. 6, 1930, in Brookings, SD, where he attended school through 9th grade. In 1945, Len moved with his parents to Golden Valley, MN, where he graduated from St. Louis Park High School in 1948. In the fall of that year he attended the University of Minnesota and graduated in 1952 with a degree in political science and history as well as receiving a US Army commission through the ROTC program. While at the U, he became a founding member of the re-established Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and was active in many campus activities.

 While in the US Army, he received his officer's training at Ft. Lee, VA, and then became Post Public Information Officer at Fort Jay, NY, followed by assignment to Ft. Bragg, NC, in charge of press relations for Operation Flash Burn. Upon discharge from the army, Len was hired as an Assistant Advertising Manager for the Suburban Newspapers. In 1955, he became Director of Public Relations for the SD, MN, IA                    iand NE Wool Growers Assn. as well as editor of the Wool Sack, a national sheep and wool newspaper. In 1958, he joined the Public Relations Dept. of General Mills, Inc. and  edited The Young Farmer magazine. While at General Mills, he also worked in the Labor Relations Dept. before returning to Public Relations where he was promoted to Director of Public Affairs. In 1982, Len retired from General Mills and was selected as President of the Greater Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce. Finally, in 1987, he retired from business life.

 Len became interested in politics very early and got his start by passing out literature in Brookings, SD, for Thomas A. Dewey for President in the 1944 election. In 1946, he put up signs in Golden Valley for George MacKinnon for Congress. At the University of Minnesota, Len was active in the University Republican Club, became its President and went on to become State Chairman of the Minnesota College Republicans. At the same time he was active in the Minnesota Young Republicans and rose through the ranks to become its State Chairman. His work was recognized nationally and he advanced through the organization holding regional positions, National Vice Chairman and finally in 1961 became National Chairman of the Young Republicans. He attended all National Republican Conventions from 1952 to 1996. His activity in Republican politics gave him an opportunity to become personally acquainted with Presidents Eisenhower, Nixon and Bush as well as Governor Nelson Rockefeller of New York. He was Chairman of the Draft Congressman Al Quie for Governor and later the Co-Chairman of the Governor  Quie Innaugural Ball. Len also attended national inaugurations of most Republican Presidents in the last half of the 20^th Century.

His interests were varied. He served 12 years on the MN State Arts Bd., being appointed by both Republican and Democratic Governors, and was elected to serve as

Chairman of the Arts Board for several years.  Len served as a member of the Golden Valley Health Center Bd., US Chairman of the NATO Young Political Leaders Organization 1961-63, Vice Chairman of the Business Committee in the National State Legislative Assembly, President of the Lake Sarah Improvement Association 2008 to 2010. He lived in a home which he personally designed on Lake Sarah west of Minneapolis. Throughout his life, he strived to help other people to go to college, get jobs and succeed in life. Len joined the Mt Olivet Lutheran Church in 1946 and continued his membership until the day of his departure. He is survived by sons Ly Nguyen (Anh Ngo) and Wei (Pam) Chen. A Memorial Service will be held 11AM Saturday, September 21 at Mt. Olivet Church, 5025 Knox Ave S., Mpls, MN with visitation 1 Hour prior.