Leonard George Krupicka

Leonard George Krupicka, age 97, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at Mayo Clinic Health System Austin. Leonard was born on October 15, 1928, in Austin, Minnesota, to Ludvig and Bergit (Odmondson) Krupicka. He graduated from Austin High School in 1947 and later from Austin Junior College. In 2015, he was inducted into the Riverland Community College Hall of Fame for his time playing football with the Blue Devils.

In 1951, Leonard married the love of his life, Bernice Kruger of Hayfield, while home on leave from the U.S. Army. He had been drafted on January 26, 1951, and soon after was sent to Korea, where he earned the rank of Sergeant in 1952.

After returning home, Leonard worked at Hormel for 36 years, retiring on November 1, 1986. He was a lifetime member of both the American Legion and the V.F.W.

Leonard was an avid sportsman. He was an archer and served as president of his archery club. He was also a Cub Scout leader, a league bowler, and someone who loved camping, hunting, and fishing with his sons. After retirement, he and his wife became RV travelers, journeying from coast to coast together. He enjoyed gardening and yardwork, outings to the casinos, and sharing a beer with his neighbors. Leonard was well known for his homemade peanut brittle, which he made and gave as gifts during the holidays.

Leonard is survived by his sons, Steven (Robin) Krupicka of Valdosta, Georgia, and Larry (Sandy) Krupicka of Austin, Minnesota; five grandchildren; four great-granddaughters; two great-great-grandchildren; and sister, Marion Quirin of Austin, Minnesota.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Bernice in 2014; parents, Ludvig and Bergit Krupicka; and his youngest son, Tracy, who passed away at age 33 in 1993.

Military honors will be held outside the American Legion Post 91 in Austin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 10, 2026. A celebration of life for Leonard will follow at the Legion until 1:00 p.m.

Interment will take place at a later date in Grandview Cemetery, Austin.

Hoff Celebrations – Worlein Chapel, Austin is assisting the family with arrangements.