Leonard Melvin Gysbers

Passed after a long struggle with Parkinson’s surrounded by his children, on August 16, 2016 at Cerenity Care Center in St. Paul, MN. He was born in Hinckley, MN, on November 12, 1930 to Harold and Johanna Gysbers, the eldest of six children. He served in the MN National Guard and active Army from 1950 to 1951. In 1951 he married Lavonne Walters and had 3 children. He farmed and did plumbing in Hinckley, until moving to Cannon Falls. In 1965 he purchased Goudy Plumbing and Heating and served the Cannon Falls community as Gysbers Plumbing and Heating for over 20 years. He married Evelyn Boser in 1974 and were married for 14 years. He enjoyed serving on Cannon Falls City Counsel, Chamber of Commerce and Rotary International. Len loved having horses and trail riding with his friends. Len and his late wife, Carol Mell were together for 23 years, living in St. Paul, where he continued working in plumbing and heating until his late 70,’s. He is survived by his children; Tom (Kay) of Almena, WI, Doug (Sherry) of Cannon Falls and Shirley (Scott)

Buchberger of Eagan. Grandchildren; Loriene Gysbers, Jaclyn Doyle, Carl Buchberger, Jessica Buchberger and Kris Sirinek. Step children; Keely Burger of River Falls, Jason Ferlas of Anoka and Shelby Ferlas of Circle Pines. He had one great grandson James Patrick and 5 step grandchildren; Connor, Xander, Aubrey, Adriona and Brea, brother and sisters, Jack (Nancy) Gysbers of Roseville, Wanda Engels of Park Rapids, Blaine (Loretta) of St. Paul, Eleanor Malone and Joan Knight of Sun City, Arizona and many nieces and nephews. Len was preceded in death by his wife, Carol, his parents and a baby brother. We give special thanks to Sholom Home East and Cerenity Care Center-Humboldt in St. Paul. We also lovingly acknowledge the faithful visits of family and friends.

A service of celebration is being planned by his family Saturday, September 24th at 3:00 at the residence of Doug and Sherry Gysbers. We welcome you to dress casually and enjoy a bowl of Len’s soup with us.