Leon Zawacki

Leon Michael Zawacki, age 91, formerly of Medford and Rice Lake, entered his heavenly home Saturday May 9, 2026, surrounded by loved ones under the tender care of North Shore at Home Hospice at the Colonial Health Services in Colby.

A private service will be held at the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford. Interment to be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery with military honors provided by Colby VFW Post #2227.

The son of Michael and Rose (Tittle) Zawacki, Leon was born on September 11,1934, and raised on the family farm in the Goodrich/ Medford area. When the bridge was being built on Highway 64, his mother would row Leon from one side of the river to the other so he could get to school.

Leon graduated from Medford High School in 1952 and enlisted in the Army National Guard during his senior year, retiring in 1973. He was proud to serve as the Commander of the Army National Guard units in New Richmond and Hudson for many of those years. Leon worked for the United States Postal Service as a postmaster, serving the Ashland area until his retirement in 1989.

In 1991 Leon reconnected with Sandra, an old classmate. They enjoyed each other’s company and became travel companions. On May 17,1999, they united in marriage in Mitchell, S.D. Leon and Sandra spent their later years wintering in South Padre Island, Texas.

Leon was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, trout fishing, golfing and skiing. He traveled to London, Holland, Australia and New Zealand. He built an extensive collection of hats, matchbooks, coffee mugs and cups, refrigerator magnets and maps from his travels.

Lee is survived by his wife, Sandra; his son, Thomas Zawacki of Minn., his granddaughter, Lacey Zawacki (fiancé Onesimo Lara) of Anoka, Minn.; three step-sons: Brian (Pam) Tyznik of Abbotsford, Scott (Tammy) Tyznik of Colby and Warren Tyznik of Stetsonville; a step-daughter-in-law, Darla Tyznik of Marshfield; many step-grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. He is further survived by two brothers: Robert Zawacki and Michael Zawacki, both of Colorado Springs, Colo.; a sister, Gloria (Wayne) Tomandl of Somerset; a sister-in-law, Ginger Zawacki of Aurora, Colo.; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Donald; brother-in-law, Randy Ryskoski; a sister-in-law, Jimmie Zawacki; a step-daughter, Debra Tyznik-Dank; a step-son, Duane Tyznik and an infant step-daughter, Dawn Tyznik.

On behalf of the Tyznik family, we are forever grateful for the time Mom had with Lee; the love he showed her and the life experiences they shared together. Thank you Lee, we will miss you.

To the Zawacki family, thank you for welcoming Sandy into your family as sister-inlaw, bonus grandma and aunt!

Also, thank you to the staff at Colonial Health Services of Colby and North Shore at Home Hospice for treating Lee’s final days with respect and love as well as to Lee’s wife, Sandy, and extended family. Thank you for your servant’s heart: Philippians 2:3-4. Also, a thank you to the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home for their kind treatment shown during this difficult time.

Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com.