WILLIAM "BILL" LEPPANEN

William “Bill” Edward Leppanen, of Mora and Ogilvie, passed away from complications after a Stroke and COPD on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at the St. Clare Living Community rehab in Mora.  He was 79 years old.

Bill was born on March 19, 1946, in Biwabik, Minnesota to parents Edward and Jennie (Steckman) Leppanen.  He attended Biwabik High School and was active on the swimming team.  After graduation in 1964, he attended UMD where he received his teaching degree.  Bill was the Industrial Arts teacher at the Ogilvie School for 34 years.

Bill was a member of the Ogilvie Fire Department, Ogilvie Lions Club, and taught gun safety for decades.   He was an avid deer hunter and was very proud of the 21 antlers he mounted and hung on his walls.  With his vast knowledge, Bill was always willing to help anyone in need.  When his adoptive grandchild was little, she said, “Papa can fix anything”!  He enjoyed camping trips with Doris where they did a lot of fishing from the paddle boat, visiting family on the Iron Range, and playing cards.  He loved visiting with his close knit community of neighbors and friends. 

Life was very difficult for Bill after his stroke in 2023, with the loss of his speech but he always enjoyed the many visitors who came to see him.  He will be deeply missed.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Vicki (Walter) Klakoski, Loretta (John) Briski, Shirley (Lauri) Maki, and David Leppanen; brother-in-law Mark Jackson.

Bill is survived by his children, Keith (Melissa) Leppanen and Kim Campeau (Jeremy Price); 6 grandchildren, Rebekah Leppanen (Dalton Thomas), Senia (James) Graham, Nathan (Whitney) Leppanen, Dominick Fore (Brenna), Slade Fore (Adri), and Tucker Fore;11 great grandchildren; his soulmate of 36 years, Doris Johnson; sister Darlene Jackson; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Bill’s life will be held at a later date. 

Inurnment will be in the Graceland Cemetery in Ogilvie.

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