A Walk for Kenzie Mae is poignant remembrance

Kenzie Mae Leonardo was born June 20, 2014. At age 11, while a sixth-grader, she died at her home in New Richland on Oct. 27, 2025. A Walk for Kenzie Mae took place at the St. Olaf Lake Public Park on Saturday, June 20 at 10 a.m. on behalf of Kenzie Mae Leonardo. More than 430 walkers registered with more showing up all the time. The walk went around the lake and was accompanied by a light wind and couldn’t have happened on a more beautiful day.

 

The sun was shining and there were groups of New Richland and surrounding area residents gathered, lightly chatting under the shade of oak trees. It wasn’t hot, not quite 70 degrees. Neighbor’s Meats was going to be there once the walk was over to servre lunch. There was also an anonymous donation of 40 lbs. of mac and cheese on the way. Nearby there was a white enclosed trailer with people surrounding it filling 300 balloons with helium for the big release.

 

Courtney Klocek was there, wearing an orange vest, directing people to parking spaces. “I’m volunteering here today because I’m a friend of the family,” said Klocek. “My son was in the sixth grade with Kenzie Mae, and being here is the right thing to do. We need to raise awareness for youth mental health and provide kids with the help they need and a way to access the help they need. This is our first year doing this and the weather made it a perfect day.”

 

On the road leading up to the St. Olaf Public Park, there were yard signs reading things like, “Find joy in the little things,” “It’s okay to ask for help,” “Talking helps,” “Brighter Days are Coming,” “You’ve survived 100 of your hardest days,” “One step at a time,” “Just give it one more day.” They were all positive messages aimed at those who feel like they are being overwhelmed. Amy and Ben Behene of Court Sports in Owatonna, who sold shirts for the walk, also donated. Proceeds went to The Recovery Road Movement-One Arrow Foundation and the mission to raise awareness for youth mental health.