LeRoy Knopik

LeRoy Knopik, a 93-year-old resident of Harding, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at his home on Sullivan Lake on November 6, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

A Memorial Mass celebrating LeRoy's life will take place on Tuesday, November 24th, at 11:00 A.M. at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Harding, MN, with a visitation held from 9:30 A.M. until the start of the service. He will be laid to rest in the parish cemetery following the ceremony. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to Horizon Health Hospice or Horizon Health Faith in Action (26814 143rd Street, Pierz, MN 56364), or to the BrightFocus Foundation (focusing on Alzheimer's and Macular Degeneration research) (22512 Gateway Center Dr, Clarksburg, MD 20871).

Born on February 3, 1933, in Platte Lake Township, Crow Wing County, Minnesota, LeRoy was the cherished son of the late Peter and Mary (Kuka) Knopik. He grew up on his family’s homestead, where they cleared the wooded land by hand to establish their farm, sawing the trees into lumber to build the very home they lived in. LeRoy proudly served in the United States Army. During his service, he was honored to serve in the Honor Guard, standing guard for President Eisenhower. On November 4, 1952, LeRoy married the love of his life, Marlene Litke, at Holy Family Catholic Church on Bull Dog Lake. Their deep bond flourished throughout their years together, creating countless cherished memories. After returning home, they settled in the St. Paul area and later built their retirement dream home on Sullivan Lake in 1979.

LeRoy's professional journey was as diverse as his interests. He worked as a pipefitter and welder for Northern States Power for over 40 years. Throughout his life, he also drove cab, unloaded freight, worked on the ore boats on the Great Lakes, and worked at Seagrams Refrigeration—where he proudly bought his mother her very first refrigerator. He and Marlene also briefly owned and operated the Shady Brook Supper Club. A passionate outdoorsman, LeRoy found immense joy in hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, gardening, and bowling, but it was spending quality time with his family that brought him his greatest happiness.

LeRoy was deeply rooted in his community and his faith, dedicating his life to serving others both in public leadership and behind the scenes. As a township supervisor, a member of the local sportsmen’s club, and a passionate supporter of the local baseball team. His dedication to the Lord was equally evident in his lifelong devotion to his parish. LeRoy served faithfully as a church trustee and as a member of both the finance and parish councils. Many hours were spent working on different projects to improve our church including the enclosed entryway, adoration chapel, and making it accessible to all with the installation of the elevator.

LeRoy is survived by his loving children: Deb (Gery) Otto, Yvonne Kisor-Boser (Ted) Boser, Sandy (Dan) Furlong, and Doug Knopik. He will be deeply missed by his 14 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren, alongside a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. Preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Marlene; his son, Danny; and his siblings: Rita (Ed) Tschida, Clarence (Dolores) Knopik, Tom (Agnes) Knopik, Leonard (Lucille) Knopik, Helen (Eddie) Pulak, and Bev (Norm) Roscoe.