LeRoy F. Czaplewski, 89, of Winona, was called home by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, February 28, 2026. Born on February 11, 1937, to Gertrude (Malotke) and John Czaplewski, LeRoy grew up in Winona and graduated from Cotter High School. On September 17, 1960, he married Catherine Philipps at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, and together they raised four children.
LeRoy worked for Cenex Land-O-Lakes Agronomy as a manager until his retirement. A lifelong supporter of the Boy Scouts of America, he began as a youth in Troop 10 and later served as Scoutmaster, Sugar Loaf Roundtable Commissioner, District Commissioner, and a member of the Gamehaven Council Executive Board. He proudly shared the values of scouting with his son and grandsons, creating memories that shaped generations.
LeRoy received numerous awards that include the Scouters Award, Scoutmaster Key, Arrowhead Honor Scouter of the Year, District Award of Merit, Silver Beaver, James E. West Award, the Heart of the Eagle Award, along with 55 Veteran Scouter Pins.
His lifelong commitment to service began with his service in the Minnesota National Guard for nine years. He also served as President of the Winona Sunrisers Kiwanis Club and the Winona United Way and was a Life Member of the Knights of Columbus Council 639. His service to the community was further recognized with the Winona Education Association Award for service to youth and the Thomas Stark Award from the Winona United Way. LeRoy also brought joy to many as “Jack Frost” for the Winona Winter Carnival and served faithfully as an usher at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart for many years.
LeRoy was also an avid Minnesota sports fan, cheering passionately for the Twins, Vikings, and Lynx—teams he followed faithfully through every season.
He is survived by his children: Sheila (Joe) Lehnen, Douglas (Melinda) Czaplewski, Renee (Randy) Ferguson, and Stacey Czaplewski; six grandchildren: Miranda Kronebusch, Taylor (Samantha) Kronebusch, Kirsten (Chris) Norby, Jeff (Cassie) Czaplewski, Zachary (Jamie) Lehnen, and Matthew (fiancé Sara) Lehnen; great-grandchildren Kianna, Kyrie, and Aubrina Kronebusch; Lydia and Rosie Norby; Jackson and Parker Lehnen; sisters-in-law Dorothy Chadbourn, Eleanor Roloff, Judy Philipps and Jeannie Czaplewski; numerous nieces and nephews; and two close friends, Beverly and Arla.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Catherine; his parents; his siblings, Ronald Czaplewski and Mary Burns; and many sisters- and brothers-in-law.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona, with Rev. Michael Churchill officiating. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the church. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery with military honors by Winona VFW Post 1287. A reception will be held at 12:30 p.m. at the Winona VFW, 208 East 3rd St, with lunch being provided. Former scouts are welcome to attend.
Services are entrusted to Fawcett Junker Funeral Home & Crematory. Online condolences may be shared at www.fawcett-junkerfuneralhome.com.
FOLLOW US FOR INSTANT UPDATES!
