Leonard "Bucky" Arnold Brockpahler

Leonard (Bucky/Buck) Arnold Brockpahler, age 89, of Sebeka, Minnesota passed away at Providence Villa December 9, 2025. Mass of Christian burial will be held December 20, 2025, at 10am at St. Hubert’s Catholic Church in Blue Grass, Minnesota. Visitation will take place at Wevley Funeral Home of Sebeka on December 19, 2025, from 5pm to 7pm.

Buck was born on September 26, 1936, to Leo and Edna (Halbrehder) Brockpahler in Wadena County. The nickname Bucky came from his Uncle Walt who gave him this name as a youngster because of his uncooperative behavior. Buck attended school at Rockwood Township District #18 and Sebeka High school, graduating with the class of 1954. He was a lifetime member of St. Hubert’s Catholic Church. He lived in Rockwood Township most of his life where he farmed. Milking cows, raising hogs and sheep. He farmed the land as well or as Buck would say, “scratched in the dirt.” Buck worked at the Equity Co-op Creamery in Wadena right out of high school and while a young farmer. On a dare, he asked the boss’s daughter out, Elizbeth (Betty) Hansen. They were married July 29, 1957. To this union seven children were born. Mark, Joseph, James, Richard, Mary Beth, Robert, and Daniel. Buck worked with Sebeka Public School later in life as a van driver. He transported students to various schools in Wadena County. A job he looked forward to daily. Away from work, Buck kept busy driving to Sebeka daily for coffee hour. Some days he made the coffee run twice, especially the day the weekly Review Messenger was placed on sale. Buck and Betty’s home always welcomed family and neighbors for coffee and goodies. Socializing was where he shined and he enjoyed talking about his ancestry and local happenings. He was very proud of his German roots and shared stories often about his grandfather coming to America and how he settled in Iowa and eventually moved by train to Sebeka. He enjoyed Sebeka History by reading, “Pages of Time, Sebeka, 1898 to 1998.”

Buck is survived by his wife, Betty of Sebeka. Sons, Mark (Mary Beth), Joe (Jane), Jim (Janelle), Rick (Melanie) all of Sebeka. Dan (Jenny) of Rogers, and daughter, Mary Beth (Alan) Koudela of Alexandria. Brother, Ronnie Brockpahler and sister-in-law, Gladys Chase. Grandchildren, Tyler (Lanae), Emily (Gregg), Alex (Kelsi), Katianne (Tayler), Jeremy (Tracy), Josh (Katie), Jacob (Breanna), Shelby, Jay, Jordan, Brenen (Kara), Brett (Wyatt), Brody (Ellie), Cody (Josie), Carissa (Jacob), Darby, and Carson. And 27 great grandchildren, with two more on the way. And many nieces, nephews and friends.

Buck was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Edna. Son, Bob. Sisters and their spouses, Margaret and Don Richter, Arlene and Pat Flanagan, Lori and Jack Malerich. Mother and father-in-law, Edna and Joseph Hansen. Sister-in-law, Barb Brockpahler and brother-in-law Joseph Hansen.

A tribute to Grandpa Buck: Buck was known for traveling the neighborhood and thoughtfully keeping watch over his loved ones. Some of those loved ones and friends earned unique nicknames, while others were simply known as “real nice chaps.” Either way, Buck was sure to keep them amused with his witty sayings and life advice.

Buck will be lovingly remembered by his family and friends for his gift of storytelling, especially of local happenings. He always welcomed a chance to visit while enjoying a cup of coffee and of course, some homemade sweets. His memory will live on whenever his family and friends enjoy future coffee hours together.