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Leo Zaviska, age 83, of Detroit Lakes, MN, formerly Waubun, MN, died on Wednesday, January 4, 2023, at Diamond Willow Assisted Living in Detroit Lakes.

Leo Joseph Zaviska was born on March 14, 1939 at home in Waubun to John and Jenny (Ployhart) Zaviska. He attended school in Waubun, leaving after the 10 ^th grade to help on the family farm. At 21, Leo entered the US Army, proudly serving in Korea from 1960 until his honorable discharge in 1962. After returning to the United States, Leo moved to Washington where he worked for Boeing Airplane Company and went to school for welding. While living in Washington, he met Darla Minkel and her young son, Glen. The couple was united in marriage and were blessed with Leo Jr. and Peggy Sue Zaviska. After Leo's father passed away, they moved back to Waubun to help on the family farm and he started welding. In 1978, he married Darlene Schaefer and took on the important stepfather role for her two children, John and Debra. Leo started his own welding business and began assisting area farmers with any of their welding needs. In July of 2017, Leo moved into Diamond Willow Assisted Living. While there, he enjoyed making friends with other residents and staff.

Leo was always his happiest when helping friends and family with welding projects or inventing unique pieces of equipment that he could use for parades. He loved attending auction sales where he found many wonderful DEALS! Leo enjoyed life – dancing, family card parties, outdoors, tinkering on cars, snowmobiling and making the foods he liked. He was best known for his LAUGH! Leo was a fun-loving guy who enjoyed life and was wonderful to be with. He was a kind and loving person and will be greatly missed by all who know and loved him.

Leo is survived by his children, Leo Jr. and Peggy Sue Zaviska; stepchildren: Glenn Minkel, John (Sharon) Schaefer and Debra (William) Kimbler; grandchildren: Shane Richau, Anthony Richau, and Jordan Nugent; great-granddaughter, Addison; brothers, Bennie (Ann Lindblom) Zaviska and Melvin (Joyce) Zaviska; sister, Ruby Morgan; brother-in-law, Wesley Nelson; sister-in-law, Leona Zaviska; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Blanche Nelson; brothers, John and James Zaviska; sisters-in-law, Joyce Zaviska and Darla Zaviska; and brother-in-law, Ray Morgan.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen, MN.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial and Military Honors will be in Waubun City Cemetery, Waubun, MN.