Leonard (Len) George Forciea

Leonard (Len) George Forciea

Passed away on May 16, 2026, at home after four months on hospice, under the care of his wife, with help from her daughter Marianne, son-in-law Ryan and granddaughter Rachel.

Len is survived by his wife, Sharon, of 43 years, 11 months, and 27 days. Children: Jim, Dave (Brenda), and Michelle; Grandchildren: Olivia (Taha), Joe, Kiara (Shouvik) and Kaden; Niece & Nephew: Allison and DJ; Stepchildren: Ed, Bill (Tracy), and Marianne (Ryan).

Preceded in death by his parents, a stillborn sister, and brother Don. 

Len was born to Leonard George Forciea and Marcella (Trenda) Forciea on May 28th, 1937 in Minneapolis, MN. His parents later moved to St. Paul where his father opened up a milk and grocery store. Len helped by cleaning, stocking shelves, and running the cash register. Len would tell the story that his dad used pen and paper to add the prices of the items. Len added them in his head, which was faster, so he got the job working there permanently!

In high school Len played basketball, ran track, and joined the hockey team. After his brother got a puck and lost teeth, he quit. 

After school hours Len worked at a meat market. Because he could drive, he delivered the orders throughout St. Paul where he encountered family dogs that often took a bite out of his leg. Consequently, he was not fond of dogs.

Len graduated from Central High School in 1955 and then started work at the Great Northern Railroad as a mail boy. He worked his way through many departments becoming Manager of Operations. He enlisted in the Minnesota National Guard near Little Falls, MN at Camp Ripley. When the troops arrived, the officer in charge asked if anyone had typing experience. Len responded "I can." The officer asked how many words he could type per minute. Len replied "60, Sir." The officer said "Follow me." Len became the company clerk. 

Part of training in the Guard was for each guardsman to qualify at the rifle range. Len had never seen a firearm let alone handle one. As the troops gathered, jeering, "Forciea! Are you going to shoot your typewriter?!" Len shot out the entire unit. The teasing stopped. 

Len built a home on the St. Croix River in St. Mary's Point, MN where his two boys played hockey and his daughter had skating lessons. 

Len served as Mayor, Tree Inspector, and sang in the choir at St. Francis of Assisi in the valley for many years before his transfer to Superior, WI, on September 1, 1991. There, he managed the operations that served as a major fright hub.

In December 1991, they took a trip to visit Len's daughter in Hungary where she was teaching. They also took a trip to Czechoslovakia, the birthplace of Len's ancestors. Traveling on a Eurail Pass at night and visiting countries by day. Len and Sharon visited Austria, Venice, and Florence, Italy.

Retiring in 1995, after 40 years of service, they returned to St. Mary's Point. On November 20, 2001, Len had a debilitating stroke, leaving his left side paralyzed. Through rehab, strong will, and fierce determination, Len recovered to walk with the aid of a walking stick.

They moved to Lindstrom to accommodate Len's condition and wonderful new friendships were made. Sharon drove and maintained the motorhome and they still traveled. One of their travels led them to Green Valley, AZ, in 2004, to visit her sister and brother-in-law who had retired. They purchased a small unit next door for the winter, free from Minnesota winters and Len returned to the game he loved; golf. Len found himself in the Green Valley newspaper for a miraculous, one-armed, Hole-in-one!

In 2011 a permanent move to Green Valley was made. 

Len and Sharon joined San Martin de Porres Catholic Church in the middle of a pecan grove in Sahuarita and, of course, joined the choir. If you knew Len, you knew his voice. Not only did he sing in church, but he also sang in the shower, in the garage, at the dinner table, and undoubtedly in his car all alone without the radio, and he was singing as the angels were preparing to usher him to the Lord. 

2017 found Len and Sharon traveling to Rome and Fatima with their church family. 

In the fall of 2019, Len had to give up golf permanently, the game he loved, because of a serious fall on the course. 

In the fall of 2022, two of Sharon's children, Bill and Marianne, came to help with preparing the rental property and holding a garage sale. As Sharon's kids drove back to Minnesota, her daughter called to ask, "Would you and Len ever consider moving back to Minnesota?" Sharon's answer was "Yup. Start looking for a house NOW!" It was time to return to get care and support from family. 

A two resident family home was purchased in February of 2023. Len and Sharon arrived May 23rd after major renovations by Dave, Bill, Ryan, Marianne, Tracy, Olivia, and Rachel.

In February 2026, Len was placed on hospice. Marianne, Ryan, and Rachel have been instrumental in Len's care and a huge help and support to Sharon. We are so eternally grateful for all the family's love and support. 

Len took his final breath late morning on May 16, 2026 with Sharon and Marianne at his side. 

Len's wit, integrity, compassion, and resilience is a testament to a life well lived. He rests in the promise of the Lord Jesus Christ who promised in  

John 14:2-3

“In my Father’s house are many mansions;

If it were not so, I would have told you.

I go to prepare a place for you, and if I

go and prepare a place for you, I will

come again and receive you to myself,

that where I am, there you may be also"

The funeral will be held on Tuesday, June 23rd, at Church of St. Pascal Baylon; 1757 Conway Street. Saint Paul, MN. Mass will be held at 10:30 AM with Visitation one hour prior from 9:30-10:30 AM.      https://youtube.com/live/ZAlz9xplFNs