Obituary of Leonard Edward Spychalla

Leonard “Ed” Spychalla 

August 1, 1946 – June 28, 2023 

Preceded in death by parents, Ralph Spychalla and Velma Lundgren; siblings, Ralph “Tom” Spychalla, Charlene Rogers, Chris Sandoval, and Clinton “Sonny” Wilson; father-in-law, Ambrose “Dusty” Garske; mother-in-law, Mary Lou Garske; and sister-in-law, Sheila Dufour. 

He is survived by loving wife of 47 years, Deborah; sons, Brian and Brent (Jessica); granddaughter, Austyn; siblings, Virgina Harlow, Patricia Spychalla-Patrow, Jacky (Bob) Lovegren, Sherry (Jeff) Bursey, Chuck (Wendy) Wilson, and Sandy Poolman; brothers-in-law, David (Jane) Garske, Joe (Linda) Garske, and John (Galena) Garske; sister-in-law, Lyn Garske; and many beloved godchildren, nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors. 

Ed graduated from high school in LeSueur, MN. He was in the U.S. Navy from 1964 to 1967, where he traveled the world on the aircraft carrier USS Independence. After the Navy, he worked several jobs including a steel mill in Washington state, a mink ranch helper in the LeSueur area, Pinkerton Security in the St. Paul area, and the Wilder Foundation where he met his wife, Deborah. He then began his career as an over-the-road truck driver, later switching to local, and ending with a 36-year career at Holiday Gas, retiring March 1, 2013. 

Ed married Deborah Garske on August 2, 1975. They welcomed their son, Brian in 1976 and son, Brent in 1977. 

He loved vehicles and recreation. He loved to snow mobile, ride motorcycles, go boating, and fly and build airplanes and gyrocopters. He also loved camping in tents, pop-up trailers, and motorhomes. He and Deborah were snowbirds and would spend up to 6 months of the year in Arizona. 

Ed was involved in many organizations including the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), where he was a board member of EAA Chapter 1229. He was also a Scout leader with the Weblos Cub Scouts and later in life became an ordained minister of Universal Life Church and married his son and daughter-in-law. 

Most important to Ed was always family! He would spend whatever time available helping and enjoying family members. 

Memorial Service on Monday, July 17, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Sandberg Funeral Home (2593 E. 7th Ave, North St. Paul), with visitation starting at 10:00 AM. Burial at Union Cemetery.