LeRoy Harold Motz

Beloved Husband, Father,

Grandfather & Great-Grandfather

Age 93, of Randolph. Passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on August 3, 2026. Preceded in death by brother, Melvin; and grandson, Samuel Guion. Survived by loving wife of 70 years, Gladys; children, Allan (Lea), Cheryl Guion, Brian, and Daniel (Kathy); 11 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

LeRoy was born to Harold & Olga (Danner) Motz. He was the oldest of 2 children. He grew up on a farm and developed a strong work ethic and a love for gardening. He began working for the South St Paul Union Stock Yards in October of 1953 as a scale counter and continued working with livestock for them his entire career until 2006. He was a lifelong member of Trinity Lone Oak Lutheran Church.

LeRoy met his sweetheart, Gladys, at Trinity’s Walter League Youth Group. He helped Gladys’ Dad gather produce to sell at farmers markets. He took Gladys on their first date to the formal Walter League church banquet. They married on June 8th, 1956. Shortly after getting married, he was drafted into the army. Their newlywed years were spent in Missouri. Gladys followed LeRoy in the service, and they lived together near Fort Leonard Wood Army base for nearly 2 years. They made many lifelong friends there.

LeRoy became a devoted husband and father. He did not buy new things for himself. He provided for his family first. A loving wife, children, a garden, tractors, camping, music, dancing, family, many friends, and faith in our Savior fulfilled his life.

Together LeRoy & Gladys shared many wonderful years traveling across the country Polka dancing and even appeared on TV. They enjoyed playing accordion together and listening to live music. They also enjoyed being part of a camper’s club and family vacations camping with their annual family trip to Itasca State Park. If you spent time in LeRoy’s company, there is a good chance you heard an Ole & Lena joke. These times spent with family and friends, and the stories told, along with the jokes, will be cherished and retold to future generations.

LeRoy would tell you the red tractors were best; he loved his Massey-Harris Pony. He used it and all of its attachments to keep his garden growing. In his later years he participated in tractor parades and was featured in the newspaper.

One of his more recent joys was playing music, the drums, with his band for residents of local nursing homes. LeRoy was always willing to lend a hand and help wherever he could. He will be remembered and greatly missed for his quiet kindness, gentle sense of humor, strong work ethic, unwavering faith, and love for his family and friends.

Funeral Service 11 AM Thursday, August 13th at Trinity Lone Oak Lutheran Church, 2950 Hwy 55, Eagan. Visitation 6-8 PM Wednesday at Klecatsky & Sons Eagan Chapel, 1580 Century Pt., Eagan; and 1 hour prior to the service at church. Interment Trinity Lone Oak Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Trinity Lone Oak Church or Donor’s Choice.