Jimmy Robert Lekander, 80, passed away peacefully in his home with his sons by his side on March 11, 2026. He was born August 13, 1945 in Kimball, MN to Clifford and Elsie (Branson) Lekander. After living parts of his childhood in Kimball, Esko, and Mahtowa, the family settled east of Barnum, where Jimmy graduated from Barnum High School. After graduation, he went into the construction trades eventually landing as a mason for the then Moose Lake State Hospital. He finished his career in the same building but as a Corrections Officer for the State of Minnesota Corrections Department. During his career, he was also a business owner. He enjoyed stints owning and operating Jim's Music Shop in Moose Lake, MN and The Elmwood Inn in Atkinson, MN.

Jimmy was an outdoorsman who enjoyed camping, horseback riding, fishing, and hunting. Jimmy could often be found sleeping under the stars. Perhaps he is best known as a musician. Jimmy began playing music with his "Pa" in the Mahtowa Tavern. He was a self-taught singer, songwriter, and player of the guitar, accordion, piano, and "a bit" of fiddle. He played polkas and waltzes but especially loved country and western music. Jimmy wrote "The Wedding Song" for his daughter Jody and husband Joe Susi plus recorded other original songs on an album titled Tailgates and Whiskey with his son Luke, his sister Ann, and several of his musician friends.

Jimmy loved his siblings. They would spend much of their time together, including getting together for each other's birthday to the laughter of reading funny birthday cards and playing the dice game for "big prizes"! Many, many people knew Jimmy as a friend. His sense of humor, willingness to lend a hand, and social nature endeared him to nearly everyone he met. Jimmy, his family, and friends had many a good time together.

Jimmy is preceded in death by his son Corey Lekander, father Clifford Lekander, mother Elsie Lekander, brothers Randy Lekander and Clayton Lekander, sister Ann (Lekander) Mix and (shortly after his death), sister Lucia (Lekander) LeDoux.

He is survived by his children: sons Lucas (Donna) Lekander and Cole (Theresa) Lekander; daughters Jody (Joe) Susi and Megan Lekander; sister Jean Lekander-Saylor; brothers Stanford Lekander, Cliffton Lekander, and Stuart Lekander; his beloved grandchildren Lyric (Jake) Lekander, Laec (Ellie) Lekander, and Alina (Cole) Lekander-Evans, Carl (Adelaide) Halverson, and Cora Lekander; and several nieces, nephews, and friends.

A Fellowship Luncheon will be held at the Salem Mahtowa Hall on May 29, 2026 from noon – 3:00 PM followed by An Evening of Music & Memories to Celebrate Jimmy Lekander at the Barnum Community Center (next to the Barnum Muni) beginning at 5:00 PM.

The family extends gratitude to both Interfaith Care Center and Ecumen Hospice. Jimmy realized his dream of completing his life in his log cabin because of the exceptional care he received. In lieu of flowers, please support local musicians and music education programs.