Simply CremationLawrence (Larry) Leistiko
In Loving Memory of Lawrence (Larry) Leistiko
June 14, 2023
Lawrence (Larry) Leistiko, aged 76, of Peoria, AZ, formerly from Bloomington & Edina, MN, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2023, after a brief battle with lung cancer. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Larry was preceded in death by his father, Frank Leistiko, and his mother, Anne Leistiko. He is survived by his loving family: his wife of 40 years, Lois; his children Scott (Stephanie) Leistiko and Adam Leistiko; his sister Linda (Dan) Mullenbach; his sister-in-law Jane (Jon) Gang; as well as nieces, nephews, and countless friends.
Born and raised in South Minneapolis, Larry pursued his education at the University of Minnesota, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and was a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. He embarked on a successful career, initially working for John Deere before transitioning to positions at Honeywell and ADC. Larry’s passion for innovation and entrepreneurship led him to establish his own company, Computerkeels, where he could combine his engineering skills with his love for sailboat racing.
Larry’s adventurous spirit extended beyond his professional life. He was an avid skier and sailor, finding joy in the exhilaration of the open waters and fresh powder. Together with his wife Lois and their family, he embarked on countless travels, creating cherished memories along the way. He was very proud of the fact that he had traveled to 6 of the 7 continents. Larry also enjoyed golfing, pickleball, and hockey as a player, coach, and fan. However, his greatest joy came from spending quality time with his family and the numerous friends he held dear.
A celebration of Larry’s life will be held at a later date in Arizona, where his loved ones will come together to honor his memory. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.
Larry’s presence in our lives brought laughter, love, and inspiration. He will be remembered for his warm heart, his zest for life, and his unwavering devotion to those he held close. As we mourn his passing, we find solace in the beautiful memories we shared with him. Larry’s spirit will forever reside within our hearts.
With heartfelt sympathy, may he rest in peace.
Thank you for entrusting Simply Cremation & Funeral Arrangements to handle the final arrangements for Mr. Larry Leistiko. My thoughts remain with Lois, Scott, Adam, and the rest of his family and friends during this difficult time.
Larry will be missed by all who knew him – on the golf course, the bocce court, the bridge table and the multitude of dinners we enjoyed with him. Larry knew a lot, well, about a lot! He was always full of questions and answers and could “wax poetic” about EVs! We will miss his easy smile and the joy he got from being with friends.
I am so sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. I enjoyed the brief time that I knew him having played golf with him and going to the Barrett-Jackson auctions together. I think Larry knew more about cars than I do and I know a fair amount. He will be missed.
We feel so lucky that we got to know Larry through golf, games or sharing a glass of wine by the fire pit. He was a great friend and we’ll both miss him.
We are so sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. We still think of Larry and Lois as members of our C 42 community. We enjoyed many Happy Hours , and Sliders, Salads, and Sundaes parties together. Larry was a valued member of the singles bridge group and we will miss his quirky sense of humor and ready smile. Condolences to Lois and his family.
Dear Lois,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your family. Sincerely, Jill Wiersma
Have only known Larry since we moved into Trilogy, but always enjoyed spending time with him. So sorry to hear about his passing.
We are so sorry to hear about Larry. He was always so good natured and Dan always enjoyed chatting about cars with Larry. We enjoyed the times on the golf course with him and Lois. He will be missed.
I am saddened to learn of Larry’s passing. I met Larry, Scott and Adam many years ago at “Dads Class” at the Edina Community Center and have had the good fortune to run into him from time to time since then. I always enjoyed talking with Larry, appreciating his energy and enthusiasm. My sympathy to Lois, Scott and Adam. Rest in peace, Larry.
Dear Lois, Scott&Stephanie and Adam, so sorry to learn of Larry’s rapid illness and passing. What a wonderful human; bright, engaged and always fun to be with. I cherish the memories we had together in hockey, Blake school and many dinners. Please know Dave and I are thinking about your family at this tough time. Bob
As a special friend of Lois and Larry’s in Minnesota, I am so sad to learn about Larry. Lois and I have kept in touch since they moved away, and I knew about his cancer. Thank you, Lois, for calling me today. It meant a lot because I am very touched by how losing Larry will affect his family. Memories include a certain camping and canoeing trip! Being at your wedding. Giving Adam tennis lessons. My appreciation to Larry for helping me with car repair questions and knowing the right mechanic to send me to. Visiting you in Arizona and seeing what a nice life you have there with all the activities and friends.
Lois and family, we are so sad to hear about Larry. What a wonderful guy he was and yes he truly had a zest for life! He will be so missed and we send all of you a big hug of support. You are in our thoughts and prayers..and hope with time his memories will make you smile more than cry!
We send love, Kathy & Jim Wyman
We were sorry to learn of Larry’s passing. Our thoughts are with you Lois.
This World will be without this fine man.
May we meet up again, but in the next.
I am so sorry to learn about Larry’s passing. I guess I will now stop looking up to see if he might be dropping in to say Hi to all his sailing friends at the Wayzata Yacht Club, here in Minnesota. Adam, as a friend of our son, Robert, in kindergarten was our first connection to the wonderful Leistiko family, but Larry and I realized that we shared a love of sailing, and soon I was crewing on his Flying Scot, at the sailing club. Sailboat racing provides ample time for story telling, and Larry was brilliant, fun and such a great conversationalist. His Flying Scot team eventually moved to another lake, and I stayed at Minnetonka, for over 30 years, all thanks to Larry, and he dropped in to be an occasional crew member on one of the Sonars. Such a great sailor as well.
Lois, my sincere condolences to you, Scott and an extra hug for Adam.
Sweet Larry passed. He was so kind and patient with me when he sold me part of his share at Timbers. I enjoyed his optimism and confidence, despite serious challenges. An inspiration for me. A full life, well lived.
Dear Lois,
Jim’ and I were so sorry to hear of Larry,s death. We always enjoyed our visitis with the two of you, and playing bridge together. Together we had good times at the table and catching up early. Will keep you in our thoughts and prayers as you begin this new journey in life. Marilyn and Jim Spensley