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LeRoy J. Spurzem Obituary – 7/20/2018


LeRoy John Spurzem, age 92, of Delano, formerly of Loretto, passed away Friday, July 20, 2018.

Roy loved his family, and he truly enjoyed the company of his immediate and extended family at their frequent gatherings. He reveled in watching his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids in their many sports activities, and bragging about their athletic accomplishments.

In addition to his family, Roy had a passion for other life activities. He loved to fish, winter or summer, and share the experiences and fish stories with his fishing buddies. He was a loyal Twins and Vikings fan, through the many ups and downs of our local professional sports teams.

Roy was a Navy veteran, having served on the USS William Mitchell at the conclusion of World War II.

His volunteerism was legendary. Roy was a charter member of the Loretto Lions, serving as treasurer for many years, and was actively involved, among many other projects, in organizing blood drives, selling Christmas trees, and delivering fruit baskets to senior citizens. As a member of the Knights of Columbus, he assisted with pancake breakfasts, raffles to raise funds for SS Peter and Paul Church, and many other ventures in support of the church and community.

He was also a charter member of the Loretto Fire Department. His community was a better place due to his active involvement.

For many years, Roy served as a tax preparer for senior citizens, often taking classes to keep abreast of tax law changes to better serve those who depended on him to prepare their taxes.

Whenever a helping hand was needed, Roy could be counted on to offer assistance to any project or task, large or small, occasionally putting to use his excellent carpentry skills. The lectern at SS Peter and Paul Church is a representation of his handiwork.

A loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, LeRoy was preceded in death by a son, Lee; infant granddaughter Jaunich; and great-grandson Leo Gappa.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Rosemary (Schumacher); children Larry (Patricia), Loren (Joyce), Lenore (Robert) Gabrelcik, Christel (Paul) Jaunich, and Mary (Tony) Hitchings; 11 grandchildren; Mindy (Mark) Bersie, Marissa (Jason) Winter, Sarah Primus, Jake (Teresa) Spurzem, Lee Ann (Justin) Wisman, Joe (Amanda) Hitchings, Kelsey (Steve) Gappa, Trevor and Ariel Jaunich, Cassie (JT) Koehn), and Kandi (Eric) Elfering; and 16 great-grandchildren, plus twins arriving in August.

Mass of Christian Burial took place Wednesday, July 25 at 11 a.m. at St. Peter Catholic Church in Delano. Interment with military honors followed at SS Peter and Paul Cemetery in Loretto.

There was visitation Tuesday, July 24 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Martha’s Hall, St. Peter Catholic Church, with a 3:30 p.m. rosary service and 8 p.m. prayer service; and continued Wednesday from 10 to 11 a.m., prior to the Mass.

Memorial donations to Prolife Across America would be appropriate.

Arrangements were with the Iten Funeral Home in Delano, Minnesota.

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