Leland Porath of New Brighton, MN passed away peacefully on Friday, March 13, 2026, at his home after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

He was preceded in death by his son Troy; his parents Kenneth and Norine Porath; his brothers Lowell, Ronald, and Deland; his sisters Kathleen and Mary Lou. He is survived by his wife Karen; children Kris (Scott), Mike (Mikki), and Katie (Jason); grandchildren Jake, Megan (Isaiah), Marissa, and Austin; siblings Virginia and Donald; and many cousins, nephews and nieces.

Lee was born in Storm Lake, IA at the Porath Hospital on July 25, 1942, along with his twin brother Deland. The family soon moved to Mountain Lake, MN where he grew up on the family farm. He remembered when they had running water installed on the farm. Before that, being the youngest, meant he had to take his bath last. He was active in FFA and 4H where he showed pigs at many fairs including the State Fair. He also played high school football and was in some school plays.

After graduating from high school Lee volunteered for the draft where he was with the 27th Infantry who were known as the Wolfhounds. While with the army he spent time in Hawaii, Laos and Thailand. After he was discharged, he went to college at Mankato State where he not only got his teaching degree, but he met the love of his life, Karen. They would have been married for 62 years on April 18, 2026.

Lee started teaching for the Mounds View School District in September of 1967 where he taught for 41 years. He coached Math Masters and Odyssey of the Mind where two of his teams competed in the world competition. He also taught driver’s education for many years, teaching all 3 of his children how to drive. He was very involved with the Mounds View Education Association even serving as the President for several years.

Lee loved being a grandpa. His greatest joy was spending time with his grandkids. They went on many road trips together or just spent time eating ice cream.

Lee spent the last 10 years battling Alzheimer’s Disease and slowly lost the memories of his life. At the end, he could not tell you who his family was, but he was always happy when we were there. His head may have forgotten but his heart remembered.

We will be remembering Lee on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Faith United Methodist Church – 2708 33rd Ave NE, St. Anthony, MN 55418 - visitation will start at 10am and the service will follow at 11am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

 In honor of Lee, you are welcome to wear flannel.