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EAST CHAIN -- Funeral Service for Leighton Ralph Hugoson, age 18, of East Chain, Minn., will be 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026, at Granada Huntley East Chain School in Granada, Minn. Burial will be at East Chain Evangelical Free Church Cemetery. Visitation will be 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, at Granada Huntley East Chain School and will continue one hour prior to the service on Wednesday. Those wishing to view a livestream of the service may do so on the following link https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/a26077458996224. Leighton passed away on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minn. The Lakeview Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Fairmont is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to GHEC FFA at 300 Reynolds St., Granada, Minn., 56039.
Leighton Ralph Hugoson was born on Aug. 14, 2007, to Jonathan and Jamie (Heise) Hugoson in Rochester, Minn. He graduated from Granada Huntley East Chain High School with the Class of 2026.
Leighton grew up on the family farm, where he developed a deep love for agriculture that remained with him throughout his life. He was an active member of the East Chain 4-H Club and the GHEC FFA Chapter, where he proudly served as the forever Sentinel. Through FFA, he earned his Greenhand Degree, Chapter Degree, and Minnesota State FFA Degree. He had the opportunity to attend both the Minnesota State and National FFA Conventions. He also participated in the Minnesota Youth Beef Experience program, where he received his special heifer, Destiny, who became much more than a project--she was a cherished part of his life.
Leighton found great joy in farming and had an obsession for semi-trucks and anything John Deere. In his free time, he enjoyed hunting and fishing, but his favorite was ice fishing. He had a special love for animals, especially cats (even if he tried to deny it), and never passed up the chance to show them some love.
Known for his friendly and outgoing personality, Leighton never met a stranger. He could strike up a conversation with anyone and genuinely enjoyed getting to know people. His kind heart and willingness to lend a helping hand made a lasting impression on family, friends, and neighbors. He was involved in the East Chain Evangelical Free Church Youth Group, where he grew in his faith and built meaningful friendships. Leighton will be remembered for his warm smile, generous spirit, hardworking nature, and the love he shared with everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Those left to cherish his memory include his parents, Jon and Jamie Hugoson; brothers, Oakley Hugoson and Henry Hugoson; sister, Zoe Hugoson; grandparents, Gene and Pat Hugoson, Don and Kathy Heise and Eileen and Ed Krueger; and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his great-grandparents and Lenny, the best black lab.
www.lakeviewfuneralhome.net