Leroy George Goldeman

Leroy George Goldeman 

December 26, 1939 – March 21, 2025

Leroy George Goldeman passed away peacefully on Friday, March 21, 2025, surrounded by the family he cherished.

Leroy was born on December 26, 1939, and grew up in New Brighton, Minnesota. He graduated from Mounds View High School in 1958 before proudly serving four years in the United States Marine Corps. While serving his country, he married his sweetheart, Linda Carleene Swanson, on July 1, 1961. Together, they built a loving family, raising four sons: David (Penny), Bart (Michelle), Leslie (Colleen), and Jamie (Rebecca).

In 1967, Leroy and Linda settled in Ham Lake, Minnesota, where they would plant their roots and create a home filled with love and laughter for nearly six decades. Leroy was deeply involved in the Ham Lake community, coaching both baseball and wrestling for his sons’ local youth teams and serving as a Webelos Scout troop leader.

Leroy’s greatest joy was his family. He was his boys’ biggest fan, cheering them on through basketball, baseball, and wrestling. His legacy grew with 11 grandchildren, and Leroy made it a priority to be present at every game, meet, pageant, and event. Whether it was watching his granddaughters at gymnastics meets, softball, soccer, or basketball games, or rooting for his grandsons at baseball, basketball and football games, Leroy was always there. He especially treasured the annual men's Boundary Waters trip, a tradition that bonded generations.

Leroy shared a special bond with each of his daughters-in-law. He loved them as his own and felt blessed to welcome Penny, Michelle, Colleen, and Rebecca into the family. He cherished the laughter, love, and friendship they brought into his life and often expressed how grateful he was for the wonderful women his sons had married.

Known for his humor, Leroy was the family’s beloved jokester, often pulling silly faces in photos and always ready with a light-hearted comment. He loved the outdoors, whether tending to his garden, relaxing in the yard, or spending time in nature on his Boundary Waters trips. Leroy was also an avid hunter and cherished the time he spent in the woods, sharing those experiences with family and friends.

A familiar request to any grandkid passing by would be, “Go fetch me a beer.”

Leroy and Linda created a home filled with warmth and hospitality. Their doors were always open, welcoming friends, family, and anyone in need. The kitchen table was their gathering spot, where the coffee pot was always on, and a game of cribbage was never far away.

Leroy also shared a special bond with his siblings, enjoying countless hours playing cards, dice, bingo, and taking trips to the casino. They were not just family—they were the closest of friends.

Leroy will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is preceded in death by his father, Carl Goldeman; mother, Adeline Bertha Klatt; brother, Carl “Sonny” Goldeman; his beloved wife of 59 years, Linda Carleene Goldeman and great-granddaughter Sunny DaniLee Hanna.

Leroy is survived by his sons, David (Penny), Bart (Michelle), Leslie (Colleen), and Jamie (Rebecca); his grandchildren, Nicole (Nick) Hanna, Katie (Graham) Strub, Dane Goldeman (Jillian), Cassie (Alex) Lenarz, Emily Goldeman (Doug), Emma Goldeman (Cedrik), Sydney Goldeman (Matt), Alexis Goldeman (Drew), Sierra Goldeman, Olivia Goldeman (Parker), and Evan Goldeman; and his great-grandchildren, Callahan Lenarz, Bear Hanna, Ruby Hanna, McCoy Lenarz, Theodore Strub, and Rain Hanna. He is also survived by his sisters, Irene Tamblyn, Carol Young, Diane Chies; and brother, Gordy (Dee) Goldeman, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A Celebration of Leroy's life will be held at 12:00 PM, on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at the Coon Lake Community & Senior Center, 182 Forest Road, Wyoming, MN.