Leo Walter Kosiba

Born April 4, 1941 to Leo, Sr. and Matilda Kosiba in Genoa, NE. Leo grew up on a farm in NE, excelled at football and received a full scholarship to play football for the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

However, Leo chose to stay with the family farm and moved to MN. A few years later, Leo joined the Army Reserves and was called for active duty. Following his service, he attended Brown Institute and earned an associate’s degree as an Electronic Technician. On Jan. 14, 1967 he married Mary Elizabeth Babcock. He worked as an Electronic Technician for US West (Quest) for 29 years until retiring in 2003. During his working years, he became an Ordained Deacon for Annunciation Catholic Church and later St. Mary’s Cathedral in St. Cloud. While serving his church he attended St. John’s Univ. and Metropolitan State Univ. earning a Bachelor’s Degree. In his role as Deacon, he served at a variety of Central MN Ministries but was most proud of his Prison/Jail Ministry. In his retirement years, he enjoyed volunteering, farming, cutting wood, and spending time with his grandchildren.

Leo is preceded in death by 3 sisters, Lucille, Mary Jane Caputo, and Joan Sokol; 2 brothers, Dennis and Stanley.

Leo is survived by his loving wife of 59 years Mary Elizabeth; 4 children, Angela (Paul) Brandmire, Leon (Trista), Gloria (Tim) Rajkowski, and John (Maria); 10 grandchildren, Taylor (Brooke), Tiana (Maine) Franklin, Chris (Paige), Alix (JJ), Joshua (Anna) Brandmire, Jakob Brandmire, Mitchell, Cooper, Jack, and Marjorie Rajkowski; and 2 great grandchildren, Griffin and Theodore Brandmire. Also survived by 3 brothers, 8 sisters and many nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial Thurs. March 12, 2026 at 11am with 2-hour visitation prior at Annunciation Catholic Church, 9965 Mayhew Lake Rd NE, Sauk Rapids, MN. Burial to follow at the church cemetery.