Date of Birth:
Thursday, October 29, 1942
Date of Death:
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
Age:
78 years old

Leo Gary Majerus

The greatest man ever known by Rob and Rich Majerus, has said goodbye and will continue his presence here on Earth, in the hearts and memories of the people who knew him. Their dad, also known as Big Guy, Gary, Fat Cat, Leo and his most favorite nickname, Papa has journeyed home and was welcomed by family and friends that had gone before him. His new adventure brings him endless socializing, bottomless Diet Coke, hours of watching Law & Order with Junior the cat, a full head of hair and access to the Spam museum anytime he pleases; not to mention an endless supply of Hormel products, Leo so eagerly bought for his family simply because it was Hormel.

Rob and Rich would like their dad to know that, although both were taller than him, he was admirable and they loved him deeply. They will remember his enthusiasm to drive them anywhere, his unbelievable skill in the game of Hearts and 500, the many stories about mom’s past that can never be retold as good as he did, his keen ability to be an unpaid news anchor because Leo was always in the know. Most importantly, they will remember his strong love for his family and willingness to be helpful.

Leo Gary Majerus, of Rochester, MN died peacefully Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at St. Marys Hospital, holding his wife’s hand. He was 78.

Leo was born October 29, 1942 in Rose Creek, MN to Leo and Helen (Crandall) Majerus.  He graduated from Austin High School in 1960.  Leo attended the University of Minnesota and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business degree in 1965. On December 18, 1976 he married Joan C. Erdmanczyk at St. Mary’s Church in Winona, MN.  They met in Rochester, MN while Joan was hitch-hiking to the airport for flying lessons. Leo was brave and lucky to have stopped to give her a ride.

Leo worked at Hormel in Austin, MN for over 25 years, which drove his love for all things Hormel.  It is without a doubt that his passion was his family and friends.  He thoroughly enjoyed talking to anyone who would listen, recounting stories and telling jokes.  His presence in the room was big, not because of how tall he was but because of how big his personality, humor and laugh were.  Leo was always there to help anyone at any time.  He was Tracy’s favorite taxi driver, Rob’s “Ask Leo” or “Leo Search” for the best advice or help, Rich’s comedic relief on workday calls, Brooke’s favorite house guest when he ventured to visit them around the country, Lincoln’s #1 fan and the neighborhood snow remover. He would likely give you a hard time, but genuinely loved helping anyone who needed it.  For those that knew Leo, knew he deeply loved and cherished his grandson, Lincoln.  The two of them were best friends, partners-in-crime and had an incredibly special relationship.

Joan was the love of Leo’s life; the love he had for her was boundless. She graciously played a starring role in his jokes, patiently endured the 2-hour grocery trips filled with talking and less shopping and served as Leo’s confidant and supporter.  Equal to the love he had for Joan was his love of Diet Coke, the curer of all things. He was rarely seen without one and had a fridge specifically for it to ensure he never ran out.  Leo was a collector of collections; Bobbleheads, coins, Dickens Village Houses, Harmony Kingdom Boxes and Coca-Cola to name a few.

He is survived by his wife, Joan Majerus; son, Robert Majerus and his wife Tracy of Rochester, MN, Richard Majerus and his wife Brooke of Charlotte, NC; grandson, Lincoln Majerus; brother, Marc Majerus and his wife Dawn and their son, Max, of Clermont, FL. Many close friends, who were also his family, survive him.

A private memorial service was held for family. A Celebration of Life event will be held in the summer of 2021.  If you would like details for the Celebration of Life event as they become available please go to leomajerus.com and fill out the form.