Obituary of Leonard Smykalski

Leonard Jerome Smykalski, 68, of Stanchfield died unexpectedly on Saturday, December 17, 2011 at his home. He was born February 5, 1943 in Silver Lake, Minnesota to Peter and Cecelia (Polasky) Smykalski. He grew up in Silver Lake and graduated from high school. Lenny served in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged August 13, 1970. On July 16, 1966 he was united in marriage to Linda Lapham at Zion Lutheran Church in Anoka. They lived a short time in Minneapolis and later lived on Long Lake near Isanti, in Stark and in 1989 moved to their home in Stanchfield where they have since lived. Lenny worked several years as a carpenter and also drove truck for Curtis Oil and Clarence Nelson and worked at Lamperts in Cambridge. He was a member of the Cambridge American Legion, enjoyed hunting, fishing, being outdoors and feeding the birds. He had an ongoing battle with the squirrels, making every contraption possible to keep them from getting into the bird feeders. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Raymond. Leonard is survived by his wife Linda, children Drew and wife Wendy Smykalski, Chad and wife Jean Smykalski, Paula and husband Kim Suchy, Katie and husband Trey Schroeder, four grandchildren Hana, Emma and Lexi Smykalski, Spencer Kaufman, sisters Shirley Sterner, Florence and husband Delbert Hennessey, Liz and husband Lenny Kosek, brother Richard and wife Lucy Smykalski, as well as numerous nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.