Date of Birth:
Tuesday, February 15, 1927
Date of Death:
Friday, November 17, 2017
Age:
90 years old

LeRoy Joseph Machulda

Mr. LeRoy Joseph Machulda, 90¾, of Rochester, MN died peacefully on November 17, 2017 at the Skilled Nursing Center at Madonna Towers. LeRoy was born February 15, 1927 in Waubun, MN to John and Cora Machulda.

LeRoy served in the United States Army from 1945-1946. He graduated from Cal-Aero Technical Institute as a Master Aviation Mechanic in 1948. He then attended Mankato State Teachers College from 1950-1954 where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree. He married Rosemary Paradis on June 14, 1952 and taught at Longfellow Elementary School in Northfield, Minnesota for 15 years. He especially enjoyed teaching science, and in 1960 was awarded a National Science Foundation Scholarship for his exceptional leadership in the field of science.  He also earned his Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Minnesota in 1960. From 1969-1971, he worked as the Audio Visual Director at the Dubuque Community School District in Dubuque, IA. Following this, he worked as an Elementary School Principal in Leroy, MN for five years (1971-1976) at which time he also completed coursework for the 6th Year Certificate in General School Administration from Winona State University in August 1976.

He worked for one year as the Superintendent of Schools at Spring Valley, WI before moving to Onamia, MN where he worked as the Elementary School Principal from 1977-1986. After retiring from this position, he was hired at the Mille Lacs Indian Reservation as Director of Title 7 Bilingual Programs and Assistance Education Division Administrator from 1987-1989. He then served as Commissioner of Education at the Mille Lacs Indian Reservation from 1989-1991. LeRoy was also a life-long member of the National Education Association and a Fourth Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus.

LeRoy is survived by his wife of 65 years, Rosemary; son, Al (Diane) Machulda of Cooper City, FL; daughters, Theresa (Craig) Jacobson of Leroy, MN, Joan Machulda of Duluth, MN and Mary Machulda (David Black) of Rochester, MN; five grandchildren, Michael, Brian, Caitlin, Elise, and Jack; and two great-grandchildren, Micah and Carter.

He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings.

LeRoy was an avid reader and loved discussing whatever book(s) he was reading at the time. He enjoyed sailing and the outdoors, could fix nearly anything, and derived satisfaction from maintaining organization in everything he did. He was a kind, gentle, and humble man, and we will miss him dearly.

A memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 27, 2017 at the Madonna Towers Chapel with Rev. Donald Schmitz officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will be a later date.

The family is extremely grateful to the staffs at Mayo Clinic Hospice and Madonna Towers Skilled Nursing for their kindness and compassionate care.

Memorials are suggested to Mayo Clinic Hospice.