Edward Stallcop

Edward Leroy Stallcop, 71, of Browns Valley, MN, passed away on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at Tekakwitha Living Center in Sisseton, SD. 

Memorial Services will be held on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Christian Outreach Center in Sisseton, SD. 

Leroy, a man who spent his life building, fixing, and loving with quiet strength, passed away peacefully surrounded by family. He was a man of many words – none particularly scholarly, but all deeply human. His stories wandered like country roads, full of detours and laughter, and always led you somewhere worth being.

He was born with a heart for service and hands made for work. As an aircraft mechanic in the United States Air Force, he maintained piston engines with diligence and humility. He once said of his service, “It wasn’t nothing. I didn’t do anything spectacular.” But those who knew him understood: faithfulness is spectacular. Showing up every day, doing your job without applause – that’s the kind of glory Heaven notices.

After the military, he worked in many trades – canning food, carpentry, general maintenance – always with the same quiet resolve. Wherever life took him and his beloved wife, Kay, he built her a home. Not just walls and roofs, but places of warmth, safety, and belonging.

He was fiercely loyal. He gave freely of himself, always eager to help, always wanting to please. He didn’t need much – just a little love. And with that, he squeezed out a life that was full.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.”

— Colossians 3:23

He loved baseball. He cheered from the bleachers like every game was the World Series. He found joy in the rhythm of the game, the smell of the grass, and the sound of a bat cracking against a ball. And in nearly every photo we have of him, a grandchild or great-grandchild is nestled in his arms – proof that he was a man who made others feel safe, seen, and loved.

He wasn’t a scholar. He didn’t quote philosophers. But perhaps he was the wisest of us all. He knew how to love. How to serve. How to stay.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and humility comes before honor.”

— Proverbs 15:33

He is survived by his loving wife, Kay; and his four siblings: Ernie, Theresa, Mary, and Penny. He leaves behind his step-sons: Dustin, Richard, and Anthony; and his cherished grandchildren: Mary, Ricky, Daniel, Tohbi, Cole, and Silas. His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren: Rowan, Hermione, and Lily; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

“Children’s children are a crown to the aged.” — Proverbs 17:6

Though he never sought greatness, he built goodness. And that is the better legacy.

We will remember him in the smell of sawdust, the hum of an engine, the sound of a story told twice, and the laughter of children in his arms. We will remember him in the quiet strength of a life well lived.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23