LeRoy Thomas Gulbranson

LeRoy Gulbranson passed away on Sunday, January 14, 2024, at Essentia Health – St. Marys’ in Duluth, Minnesota. He was surrounded by his loving family; his departure came as a great shock and a deep wound gravely felt by his entire family and his many friends.

LeRoy was born the first of three children to LeVern and Joan (Stickney) Gulbranson October 4, 1951, in Virginia, Minnesota. Growing up on Ely Lake he enjoyed water skiing, fishing, swimming, boating, and SCUBA diving. LeRoy was a 1969 graduate of Gilbert High School where he enjoyed playing hockey.  LeRoy worked for Gulbranson Excavating during his high school years.

Following high school, he graduated from Eveleth Vo-Tech in the welding program after which he was employed by Malton Electric.  Later, he worked at US Steel as a crane operator with 31 years of service, retiring in 1999.

LeRoy was a resident of Gilbert and an active participant on local dart and pool leagues throughout the years but was best known for his long daily walks around town socializing with friends. LeRoy was big hearted and radiated happiness. He accepted everyone with an open heart, open arms, and a perpetual smile. We were truly blessed to have him in our lives.

Survivors include his brother, Brian (Debra) Gulbranson of Circle Pines; sister, Jo Ellen (Brian) Haines of Eveleth; nieces and nephews: Erik (Rachel Weigert) Gulbranson, Hilary (David Snyder) Gulbranson, Ashley (Chris) Keppers, Ben (Kim Kladivo) Haines and Mallory Haines; great nieces and nephews: Anders, Greta, Amelia, Audrey, Kaleb, Kora, Korbin, and Owen.

He is preceded in death by his parents, LeVern and Joan.

A gathering of family and friends for LeRoy Thomas Gulbranson, 72, of Gilbert will be 4-6pm Monday, January 22, 2024 at Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Gilbert.  Interment will take place in the Gilbert Cemetery in the Summer of 2024.