Joseph Leonhard

Joseph F. Leonhard, age 85 passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 25, 2015 at home surrounded by family. He was born March 9, 1929 in Cleveland, WI to parents Henry and Clara (Wagner) Leonhard. Joseph attended St. Wendel School. He started working on the family farm at an early age. Joseph was united in marriage on August 27, 1949 to Patricia Gries at St. Isadore, Osman, WI. He worked in the foundry at Kohler Company for 44 years. Joseph was very actively involved in designing, building and finishing the family home that he lived in until his passing. He played baseball and coached the MCTOA youth teams in Cleveland for over 25 years, in which he coached hundreds of kids including all of his sons. Joe was inducted into the Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame. He was an accomplished wood worker, enjoying small projects to large remodeling projects for family, friends and church. He and Pat's love of square and round dancing began in the mid 70's and continued beyond Pat's passing. His dancing endeavors took him across the country and Europe. He was an avid sheepshead player and would pick on anything. Joe's greatest joy was his family, especially spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Joseph is survived by five children; Douglass (Catherine), Daniel, David (Barbra), Doreen (Gilbert) Kowalczyk and Don (Lori), sixteen grandchildren; Craig, Kristin (Don) Kamin, Suzanne (Isaac) Womack, Julie (Ryan) Griesemer, Betty (Jason Sturn) Leonhard, Theresa Leonhard, Joey, Katie (Andrew) Breuer, Allison Kowalczyk, Erin, Anne, Ellie, Andie Leonhard, and Stephen, Alan and Michael Reynolds, seven great-grandchildren, six siblings; Rosemary Hickman, Gertie Leonhard, Marcy (Harold) Stein, Margaret Kramer, Wally and Genny (Ralph) Kramer, brother-in-law Marvin Gries, and special friend and dance partner Charleen Schloseky. Also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Preceded in death by his parents, loving wife Pat, son Dennis, daughter-in-law Julie, brother Clem, sisters-in-law; Darlene Gries, Myra and Rosemary Leonhard, brothers-in-law; Arnie Kramer and Norman Hickman. Visitation will be on Friday, January 30 at Zimmer Westview Funeral and Cremation Care Center, W2132 Garton Rd., from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Continued visitation on Saturday, January 31 at St. Dominic Catholic Church, 2113 N. 22nd Street, Sheboygan from 10:00 AM -11:00 AM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM with Fr. Philip Reifenberg presiding. Burial at St. Wendel Cemetery, Cleveland. Memorials in Joseph's name are appreciated. The family would like to thank Mary Ann and the hospice staff from Aurora VNA.