Loretta Jane (Leppanen) Briski

Loretta Briski, 89, entered God’s kingdom on July 19, 2025. Born on September 7, 1935 to Edward and Jennie Leppanen, Loretta was raised in Genoa Location and attended Eveleth High School. She married John Briski on June 18, 1955. She and John resided in Iron where they raised their family, later building and operating L & J Storage for more than 35 years. An active member of Resurrection Church, Loretta served as a member of Catholic Daughters for many years.  

Loretta was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother. She cherished her large family and their frequent gatherings. She had an agreeable, calm demeanor and a natural gift for making others feel welcome and comfortable. She and John enjoyed their many travels, casino trips, and playing cards with family and friends. Their strong faith and their love for each other served as an example for their children and grandchildren. Loretta’s infectious giggle, often emerging during family card games, will be well-remembered! Her happy nature and joy at the simple things leave a lasting impression on all who knew her. 

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John, parents, Edward and Jennie Leppanen, sister Vicki Klakoski, brother, David Leppanen, daughter Deborah (Briski) Mancina, son-in-law Michael Mancina and granddaughter Elizabeth Pierce.  

Loretta is survived by children, Michael (Jomi) of Cottage Grove, Dennis (Colleen) of Eveleth, Gary (Sue) of Eveleth, Nancy (Bill) Pratt of Eveleth, Alan (Tae) of Pengilly, Doug (Gail) of Iron, Tim (Michelle) of Aurora; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by brother, William (Doris Johnson) Leppanen of Mora, sisters Shirley Maki of Aurora and Darlene (Mark) Jackson of Aurora, and many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.  

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 28, 2025, at Resurrection Church, Eveleth. Visitation at the church one hour prior to the service. 

The family wishes to extend special thanks to the staff at Edgewood Memory Care, Virginia, MN and Caring Edge Hospice. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Quad Cities Food Shelf, the Alzheimer’s Association, or any organization of your choice.