Leo Roman Skluzacek

Leo Skluzacek long time resident of Rock Creek, passed away Thursday, February 21, 2019 at Lakeside Health & Rehab Center in Pine City at the age of 96.

Leo Roman Skluzacek was born on November 18, 1922 to L. J. and Christine Skluzacek on the family farm in Rock Creek, Minnesota. He went to Pleasant Prairie Grade School and then on to Pine City High School graduating in 1940.

Growing up on the family farm with two older sisters and a younger brother, he learned the value of hard work at an early age. They were farming with horses, no electricity and no plumbing while still managing to milk cows twice a day, raising crops and doing all the work required to run a farm.

In his youth, he began his lifelong passion for hunting and berry picking. He enjoyed family gatherings, especially spending time with his nieces and nephew. In 1955, he met Lucille Bible and took her to Good Friday services for their first date. The romance blossomed and they were united in marriage June 1, 1957. After the wedding, they took over the family farm and added an egg delivery business. Although raising crops and dairy farming was important, their most outstanding crop was their six children.  Instilling his values to his children was a classic lead by example.

He was a life-long member of Immaculate Conception Church and a 73 year member of the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed 33 years of marriage and was proud to see all six of his children graduate from high school to become honest, hard-working citizens. In 1990 after losing his loving wife, he entered the third stage of his life as a widower and grandfather.

Farming was still his passion with deer hunting, berry picking, and Minnesota sports teams attracting more of his attention. The sooner that he said, “It’s going to be a long day for the Vikings,” the better they seemed to play. He was never known to pass up a game of 500 or Dirty 13. He loved his grandchildren dearly, often seen holding them in his large hands. He continued helping on the farm well after retirement, often driving tractor into his 90's.

Leo was patient, quiet and humble with a great sense of humor.  He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Leo is survived by his children: David (Wendy) Skluzacek of Cold Spring, Mark (Sheri) Skluzacek, Cheryl Skluzacek, Loren (Robin) Skluzacek, Perry   (Natalie Christopherson) Skluzacek, Richard (Brenda) Skluzacek all of Pine City; 14 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; sister Magdalene "Maggie" Carlson of Minneapolis; sisters-in-law Carol Skluzacek, Rita Bible, Verna Carlson, Betty Bible, Margaret Bible all of Pine City, Marian (Jim) Schoeberl of Alexandria; brother-in-law LeRoy (Marlene) Bible of Hager City, WI.; many other relatives and friends.

Leo is preceded in death by his parents Louis and Christine Skluzacek; wife Lucille Skluzacek; infant daughter brother John Skluzacek; sisters Alice Marie Skluzacek and Cecilia (Wendal) Carlson; brother-in-law Waldo Carlson.

Monsignor Aleksander Suchan will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial for Leo: 11 AM Tuesday, February 26, 2019 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Pine City.  A time of visitation and reviewal is planned for Monday (2/25) from 4-7 PM with a Prayer Service at 7 PM at the Swanson Funeral Chapel in Pine City and also one hour prior to the Mass in the St. Anthony Commons at church.  Honor Guard will be provided by the Knights of Columbus.  The interment will take place in the Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Pine City.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to:  Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City, Swanson Chapel.  www.FuneralAndCremationService.com