Leo F. Kukacka

Leo Kukacka, age 95 of Hastings, passed away at his home in Denmark Township on December 9, 2025, surrounded by his family’s love.

Leo was born and raised on the family farm in the Township of Montgomery, MN, to Frank and Mary (Heyda) Kukacka. Leo was one of six children, with 3 brothers and two sisters. While attended a one room school house where Leo not only learned the writing, reading and arithmetic but English. He graduated from the eighth grade with perfect attendance and has the document to prove it.

Leo served in the MN National Guards, Fort Ripley.

In July 1950, Leo was united in marriage to Mary (Janovsky) in LeSeur County. This summer they celebrated their milestone anniversary of 75 years together. Together they raised three children; Vernie (Rick) Moravec, Ron (Pam) Kukacka, Bonnie (Gordy) Tank. They were graced with nine grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren. Surviving sister Dorothy Flicek, sister in-laws; Lena Janovsky, Dorothy Malz, Diane Grabinger; and by many nieces and nephews.

Leo had the gift to gab and would talk to total strangers. If you weren’t a friend before the conversation(s) you certainly were at least an acquaintance. His love of hunting, fishing and farming gave him plenty of conversation starters.

Leo loved his early years growing up on the farm and happily returned to the country where he still lived until his passing day. Together he and Mary produced large vegetables gardens, but best of all he enjoyed raising animals, small to large he liked them all. He loved his cattle, taking pride in raising his own crops to feed them throughout the year. In his last years, many a day you would find him sitting in his favorite chair outside the shed, facing east warming himself in the sun and waving to anyone driving by. Thank you to those that took the time out of your busy lives to stop and have a chat with dad, he was grateful for the conversations.

Private family gathering at a later date.

Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.