Leif Arne Espeland, 73, Hayward, passed away on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at St. Mary’s Medical Center, Duluth, MN.

Leif was born on August 12, 1952 in Illinois to Trygve and Elsie (Larson) Espeland. He graduated from Glenbard West High School in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. Leif served his country in the United States Army for six years. He was employed at a carpenter with the Carpenter’s Union in Illinois for over 30 years. Leif married Margaret Kilgore in September of 2004. They moved to Northern Wisconsin 11 years ago where Leif was able to spend time in his garden and took pride in his manicured 5 acre property. He also volunteered for many years with the Boy Scouts at Camp Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan.

He is survived by his wife Margaret of Hayward, step-son Michael (Vickie) Kilgore; step-grandson Nicholas Kilgore; siblings Trygve (Laurette) Espeland, Signe Cadwallader, Sonja (Mike) Noesen, and Lars (Susan) Espeland. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Jenny Rozhon, nephew Carl Rozhon and step-son Brian Kilgore.

Leif will be laid to rest in the Northern Wisconsin Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Spooner at a later date.

Last Update: Nov 04, 2025 9:31 am CST