LeRoy Goranson

Leroy "Roy" Ernest Goranson, passed away on December 4, 2025 at the age of 75 at his home in Mazeppa, MN, surrounded by family. He was born on September 7, 1950 to Burton and Garnet (Stull) Goranson.

Roy graduated from High School in Mazeppa in 1969. After graduation, he joined the Army and trained as a paratrooper with the 101st Airborne Division, before serving in Vietnam in 1970-1971. He returned to Mazeppa where he spent the next 40+ years working as a brick and block layer. From private homes in Mazeppa to the beautiful stonework of the Gonda building, Roy’s handiwork is visible throughout SE Minnesota. On October 4, 1980, Roy married Nancy (Bartholome) from Bellechester and celebrated 45 years of marriage and family.

Each year Roy looked forward to golfing with friends, fishing up north, snowmobiling in Michigan, and riding his motorcycle on trips throughout Minnesota and beyond. His greatest claim to fame was tagging a 22-point whitetail deer in 1990, ranked as Minnesota’s 2nd largest non-typical deer that year. In 2007 Roy helped to establish the Mazeppa Honor Guard. Thereafter he was instrumental in designing and building the Mazeppa Veterans Memorial, as well as establishing the annual Field of Flags during Mazeppa Daze.

Roy is survived by his wife, Nancy, his son, Brandon (Kerstin) Goranson, and his daughter, Haley (Alan) Jacob; grandchildren, Ava, Kashton, Phoebe, Brooks, Ellie; siblings, Sherly Webster, Patti Goranson, Raymond (Cheryl) Goranson, Yolie (Russ) Donley, Linda Goranson, Debbie (Ken Dubriel) Carrier, Sheila (Dennis) Albers, Zola (Rod) Harvey, and Dale (Mary) Goranson; sister-in-law, Nan Goranson, and numerous nieces and nephews. Roy is preceded in death by his parents, Burton and Garnet; siblings, Burt, Lee (Margaret), and Zelda; and brother-in-law, Scott.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the Mazeppa Honor Guard.

Internment will take place at the Minnesota State Veteran's Cemetery in Preston, MN on Wednesday, December 10 at 1:00pm. All are welcome.

A celebration of life will be held at WD’z 2 in Mazeppa on Saturday, December 13, 2025 from 2–6pm. Service and salutes at 2pm, followed by a meal. Toasts to Roy in the American Legion at 6pm.

Arrangements by the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Larson Chapel in Zumbrota.