Leroy Sabelka

LeRoy Sabelka, age 83 of Decorah, IA passed away peacefully and surrounded by his family, Wednesday, June 30, 2021, at Gundersen Health Systems in La Crosse, WI. Visitation will be from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Schluter-Balik Funeral Home, 604 South Ave in Decorah on Friday, July 9, 2021 with a Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. with Rev. Donald Hertges presiding. LeRoy Michael Sabelka was born in Decorah, Iowa on February 2nd, 1938 to Mike and Helen (Polansky) Sabelka. LeRoy attended school in Spillville until the 8th grade. His work was needed on the farm due to his father suffering a back injury. LeRoy would work on the family farm for many years, until he purchased his own right across the road. As if farming wasn’t challenging enough, he fell in love with a widow and her two teenage daughters, and decided to up the challenge when he married the love of his life, Sandy Bina-Larson on September 21, 1985 at the Holy Trinity Church in Protivin. Many memories were made on the farm; the only time LeRoy cursed like a sailor or raised his voice was when loading hogs or cattle. Many learning curves were overcome by the “city” girls learning the farm work and we didn’t understand how LeRoy had farmed before we came along. While working at the farm, LeRoy also worked at CamCar for twenty-plus years. For all the years of hard work that this man did, he still had the softest hands. In 2006, LeRoy and Sandy moved off the farm and purchased a home in Decorah. LeRoy enjoyed collecting toy tractors, gardening, reading books by John Grisham and James Patterson, playing solitaire on the computer, maintaining his bird feeders, keeping guard to keep the squirrels and other invaders away, and also loved spending quality time with his family. LeRoy is survived by his wife, Sandy Sabelka, Decorah, IA. Two daughters: Cherie Larson, Cedar Rapids, IA and Cheryl (Adam) Batterson, Protivin, IA. Grandchildren: Chris (Nikky) Shimek, Cresco, IA; Greg (Rachel) Shimek, Hawkeye, IA; Cassy (Ben) Horsfall, Protivin, IA; Calli Batterson, Protivin, IA, and Ashton Batterson, Protivin, IA. Great-grandchildren: Adrianne Shimek, Clare Shimek, Braelyn Shimek, Brooks Shimek, Brylee Shimek, Trayten Larson, Dalten Horsfall, Brystal Horsfall, and a great-grandchild due in October. Siblings: Laverne Bruess, Cresco, IA; Linus “Sam” (Doris) Sabelka, Calmar, IA, and Leon (Elaine) Sabelka, Phoenix, AZ. Sister-in-laws: Marilyn Sabelka, Decorah, IA; Maxine (Dave) Balk, Waucoma, IA; Joan (Dan) Lentz, Calmar, IA, and Nancy (Steve) Pitz, Evansdale, IA. Brother-in-law Rex (Lori) Pavlovec, Waterloo, IA LeRoy was preceded in death by his parents: Mike and Helen (Polansky) Sabelka. Brother: Lawrence “Larry” Sabelka. Brother-in-laws: Dale Bina and Cornell Bruess. Great-grandson: Chandler Larson.