LeRoy Joseph Smisek

LeROY JOESPH SMISEK, age 72, of Mankato, formerly of Le Center, passed away on Friday, October 3, 2025, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato.

LeRoy was born on January 9, 1953, in New Prague, Minnesota, to Francis and Ione (Wondra) Smisek. He attended St. Mary Catholic School through sixth grade and graduated from McKinley High School in Le Center in 1971.

A hardworking man throughout his life, LeRoy began working at the age of 15 as a farmhand for the Gibbs Family Farm, where he fondly remembered being treated like one of their own. He later worked at Federal Stamping in Bloomington for many years before returning to the area to work on the Bartusek family hog farm near New Prague. He eventually joined United Steel in Montgomery, where he rose from packer to supervisor. Though he officially retired from United Steel, LeRoy found his true passion driving bus for Palmer Bus Service in Mankato, a role he enjoyed for the past 12 years and looked forward to sharing with his beloved wife.

On October 18, 1996, LeRoy was united in marriage to his soulmate, Linda Uhlir, in Le Center. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and spending time with family, residing in Le Center and most recently in Mankato.

LeRoy was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Le Center. He enjoyed countryside drives, reading, watching crime shows, cheering (and yelling) during Minnesota Vikings games, and cooking—especially his famous sloppy joes and homemade chicken noodle soup. Above all, LeRoy cherished his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

LeRoy will be remembered by his family as a kind and generous soul, always ready with a joke and a warm smile. He had a natural gift for conversation and could connect with anyone he met. His presence lit up every room he entered, and his unmistakable chuckle brought joy to those around him. He was deeply loved and will be missed by all who knew him.

LeRoy is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Linda; children (before meeting Linda): Jaimeson Smisek, Angela Epps, Jeffrey Smisek; children (he shared with Linda): Joey Smisek, Michael (Josie) Smisek, Heidi (Jennifer) Smisek, and Chad Smisek; grandchildren: Connor (Haily Steinbach) Epps, Sebbi Epps, Dorian Epps, Jax Kolstad, Jaylynn Smisek, Jillian Smisek, Josylynn Smisek, RJ Smisek, and Jeniyah Smisek; great-grandchildren: Eleanor and Hayden Epps-Steinbach; siblings: Anthony "Tony" (Denise) Smisek, Mark (Judy) Smisek, Lyle Smisek, and Wayne Smisek; sisters-in-law: Jeanne Smisek and Lori (Clifford) Knutson; mother-in-law: Rosie Uhlir; as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Micah Epps; brothers: Ronald Smisek Sr. and Allan Smisek; nephew, Ronald Smisek Jr.; and niece, Tanya Westphal.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at the Le Center Chapel of Schoenbauer Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM and continue until the time of service at the funeral home on Wednesday.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, location is, to be determined.