Obituaries 10/09/25

Joseph Lepinski, 71

Joseph “Joe” Paul Lepinski, age 71, of rural Buffalo, passed away on Friday, October 3, 2025, at his residence.

He was born on December 1, 1953, in Buffalo the son of Benedict and Lauretta (Moore) Lepinski.

Joe graduated from Buffalo High School in 1972. From 1972-1978, Joe worked out west in the mines and then in the seismic fields. Later, he attended North Hennepin Technical College for electronic tech. He then owned his own electronics business and later at a local nursing home.

On May 9, 1980, Joseph P. Lepinski and Renee F. Dalbec were joined in holy marriage at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waverly. God blessed their marriage with three children.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, telling bad jokes, and having a beer with friends. In recent years, he enjoyed time with his grandchildren. Joe loved his wife, children, and grandchildren deeply.

Survived by his loving wife of fifty-one years together, Renee F. Lepinski; children, Miranda (Todd) Peterson, Samantha (Kevin) Kenzler, and Benjamin Lepinski; grandchildren, Payton and Quinn Peterson and Callan Kenzler; siblings, Margaret Randel, Mike (Lorrie) Lepinski, Jim (Pam) Lepinski, Judy (Brian) Loberg, Johnny (Janice) Lepinski, and Mary (Brian) Benson; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Dee Dalbec, Roger (Barb) Dalbec, Judy Florey, Roxanne Dalbec, and Cherie (Chris) Carpenter; many other relatives and many friends.

Preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Leonard and Viola Dalbec; a nephew, Patrick Randel; brothers-in-law, David Randel, Ralph Dalbec, Ross Florey, and Ron Dalbec.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 11, at the Buffalo American Legion. Visitation will take place from 1:30-2:30 p.m., prayer service at 2:30 p.m., celebration with music, food and drinks to follow until 7:00 pm.

The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.

Thomas Sleypen, 80

Thomas John Sleypen, 80, passed away peacefully at home on September 29.

He was born on March 21, 1945, to Dorothy (Bauer) and John Sleypen in Buffalo, Minnesota.

He attended Buffalo Schools most of his life. That is where he met the love of his life, Sandy Martin. They were married on May 8, 1965, and enjoyed 60 years of marriage together. Tom became a member of Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church (Anchored in Christ) after that union and remained a faithful member all his life. To this union two children were born, Kelli Jo and Brandon Thomas.

He was a member of the National Guard for many years where he served as a cook. Tom was a paving foreman for Buffalo Bituminous for many years before he owned and operated T&S Trucking. Brandon worked with him for many of those years and took over the business later in Tom’s life. 

Together, Tom and Sandy enjoyed 16 winters in Apache Junction, AZ, where they made many life-long friends. Tom enjoyed line dancing and playing pickleball many times a week. They spent many of those years motorcycling and jeeping in the AZ desert and mountains with many friends. On his 80th birthday, Kelli and Zach flew to AZ to surprise him. It was the best birthday ever. Tom and Sandy did a lot of snowmobiling over the years and enjoyed many trips, including many to Mexico and a special trip to Alaska.

Tom was preceded in death by his mother and father; Brandon; and two infant children; sister-in-law, Mavis Moe; brothers-in-law, Jerry Fixmer and Clyde Martin. 

He is survived by his wife, Sandy; daughter, Kelli (friend Tom); three grandchildren, Brandi Lynn, Zachary Thomas, and Ryan Jesse; sisters-in-law, Nancy Fixmer and Maureen Martin; and brother-in-law, Jim Moe; special adopted daughter, Tarra Levis; many nieces, nephews, friends and relatives. 

A Memorial Service for Thomas “Tom” Sleypen was held on Monday, October 6, at 11:00 A.M. at Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 9615 Pioneer Trail, Greenfield, Minnesota. Pastor David Russow officiated.

A visitation was held on Sunday, October 5, from 5-7 P.M. AT THE CHURCH. Further visitation was held on Monday morning, October 6, one hour prior to services at the church.

Honorary Bearers were Ken Meyer, Rodger Marschel, Jim Dixon, Matt Miller, Larry Daluge, and Ron “Bomber” Dick.

The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo served the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com.