Leon Cuperus

Leon Cuperus was born October 9, 1945 in Worthington, MN, the son of Burend and Nina (Heeringa) Cuperus. He was raised on the family farm near Reading, MN. He graduated from high school at Worthington and continued his education at Worthington Junior College. While attending college, Leon joined the Minnesota National Guard and served for six years.

On July 14, 1967, Leon was united in marriage to Pamela Wendling. The couple were blessed with three children. They made their home in Reading, MN on a farm they purchased near his family farm. Leon raised cattle and pigs for many years. In 1982, they sold the farm and moved to the north side of Lake Miltona near Leaf Valley, MN.  For the next ten years, Leon drove cement truck for Alex Concrete. Following that, Leon and Pam leased and operated the Leaf Valley Mercantile for a few years. Leon then started his own painting business doing exterior and interior painting. Leon retired from painting due to health concerns.

Leon enjoyed working on his property near Lake Miltona. On that property, he planted many trees through the years.  He also owned deer hunting land on Spring Lake and planted food plots for the deer. He looked forward to the fall and deer hunting. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed taking Pam fishing on Spring Lake and taking his children fishing for bullheads when they were younger.

Leon was a member of the Leaf Valley Sportsmen’s Club and a retired member of the Leaf Valley Fire Department. For many years he was part of the group of men that had coffee at the Leaf Valley Creamery and later, at the Leaf Valley Mercantile. He was a skilled card player and could spend hours playing Pinochle with his family. He was even known to sneak away to a casino from time to time. Spending time with his grandchildren and treating them to his quick wit was something he loved to do.

On Tuesday, July 24, 2018, Leon died at the age of seventy-two years. He is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Gerrit and Ray Cuperus. Leon is survived by his wife Pamela Cuperus of Leaf Valley, MN; son, Shane Cuperus and wife, Sara, of Sartell, MN; daughters, Michelle Greengo and husband, Jack, of Alexandria, MN and Angela Nordlund and husband, Kenny, of Urbank, MN; three grandchildren, Gavin Greengo, Claire Cuperus and Cora Cuperus; one brother, Bill Cuperus and wife, Sandra, of Reading, MN; and sister, Anne Meine and husband, Bert, of Ormand Beach, FL;  two sisters-in-law, Veronica Cuperus of Reading, MN and Janet Cuperus of Reading, MN; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and many friends.

A memorial service will be held 11 AM Friday, August 3, 2018 at the Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Leaf Valley. Reverend Dennis Angland and Reverend William Moeller will officiate. Music will be provided by Kristi Wussow. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 PM Thursday at the Anderson Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at church. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home.