Elroy Dean Leja

Elroy Dean Leja, Holcombe, passed away at Luther Hospital in Eau Claire, Friday, May 20, 2022, his 83rd birthday, following a brief battle with leukemia.

Elroy was born in Stanley, May 20, 1939, to Frank and Bertha (Saheim) Leja.

He grew up in Stanley, and graduated from Stanley High School in 1957.

Following graduation from high school, Elroy relocated to the Twin Cities, where he was employed by West Publishing. He eventually returned to the Stanley area, and joined his parents on the family farm, purchasing his own herd of dairy cows, while helping with the family herd.

He decided to give city life another try in 1959, and moved to Milwaukee, where he worked in construction, operating heavy equipment for years, on many area highways. He eventually settled in Holcombe, having purchased a dairy farm in the late 1960s.

Elroy continued farming for many years, eventually moving on to other occupations, including driving school bus for the Lake Holcombe School District, driving charter bus and investing in rental properties.

He is survived by his six children – Katherine (Neil) Redlaczyk, Tacoma, Wash., Joseph Leja, Wausau, Tina Leja, Minneapolis, Minn., Tamara (Brendan) Hinnenkamp, Eden Prairie, Minn., Gregory (Kimberly) Leja and Loanda (Jake) Morrow, Shakopee, Minn.; his eight grandchildren – Camille Gomez, Chrystal (Jose) Aguilera, Blaze (Syarifa) Redlaczyk, Joseph and Olivia Hinnenkamp, Jaymeson and Aubrey Leja, and Addison Morrow; six great-grandchildren – Tristan Redlaczyk, Orion Aguilera, Isabela Aguilera, Beevianna Aguilera-Redlaczyk, Ellianna Aguilera and Tatum Aguilera; his sister – Corrine Randall, Cornell; nephews; cousins; as well as his longtime friend – Leila Krzanowski.

He was preceded in death by his parents – Frank and Bertha Leja.

Services will be held at Borton-Leiser Funeral Home in Cornell, Saturday, July 16. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon, with the service at noon. Lunch will follow at the American Legion Hall, located at 309 South Second St. in Cornell. Elroy will be remembered for his quick wit, his fabulous sense of humor and how he loved to laugh until he cried. We are thankful for the time we were able to spend with him during his final days, sharing in that laughter. Love you, Dad.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.bortonleiserfuneralhome.com.

Borton-Leiser Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Cornell, is assisting the family.