Wenzel Leff

Wenzel “Woots” Leff, age 86, of Waubun, MN, died Saturday, November 27, 2010 at St. Mary’s Oak Crossing in Detroit Lakes, MN. Wenzel Joseph Leff was born on May 21, 1924 to Wenzel and Vitalene (LaGue) Leff of Waubun. His early years were spent on a farm east of Waubun where he attended country school. Later he moved with his family to Detroit Lakes and attended Holy Rosary Catholic Church and later Detroit Lakes High School. When World War II began, Woots moved to California and worked in an airplane factory until he joined the United States Navy on October 6, 1943. He served in the Pacific Theater and was honorably discharged on April 7, 1946 in Shoemaker, CA. After his discharge from the Navy, Woots returned to Detroit Lakes. On October 21, 1946 he was united in marriage to Alyce Uhlir at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Waubun. The couple lived in Detroit Lakes for five years before settling in the Waubun area to raise their family. Woots was best known for his work as a plumber in the Waubun community until he retired in 1986. Woots enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening, but the true loves of his life were his wife, Alyce, and their place on Fish Hook Lake. His grandkids loved to hear Grandpa tell of his escapades as a youth. He was a very witty and gifted storyteller, but he instructed them never to try this on their own. Wenzel is survived by his wife, Alyce of Waubun, four sons: Allan (Dorothy) Leff of Waubun, William (Mary) Leff of Detroit Lakes, Gregory Leff of Waubun, and Jeffrey (Cathy) Leff of Waubun; one daughter, Colleen (Don) Spry of Callaway, MN; nine grandchildren: Lea Stech of Waubun, Carrie (Dean) Wysuph of Waubun, Marnie (Justin) Larsen of Frazee, MN, Cody (Nicole) Leff of Becker, MN, Matt Leff of New Brunswick, NJ, Mitch Leff of Minneapolis, MN, Chelsea Leff of Fargo, ND, Eric Spry of Denver, CO and Aaron Leff of Bemidji, MN; 12 great-grandchildren: Ian and Logan Stech, Dylan and Gabby Donner, Grady, Bailey and Bristol Larsen, Jack, Gabe and Elise Leff, Henry Leff and Will Leff; and half-sister, Faith Dahl of Albert Lea, MN. He is preceded in death by his parents; four sisters; and a brother. Mass of Christian Burial was held Thursday, December 2, 2010 at 11 am at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Waubun. Father Dwight Hoeberechts was the officiant and Lea Stech provided special music. Pallbearers were Tim Gordon, Dean Wysuph, Mitch Leff, Cody Leff, Aaron Leff and Eric Spry. The honorary pallbearers were all of Wenzel’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Military honors were provided by the Ogema VFW Post #9880 and MNARNG Honor Guard. Visitation was held one hour prior on Thursday at the church. Burial was at St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery in Waubun.

Wenzel Leff

May 21, 1924 - November 27, 2010