Obit: Szymanski, Leonard John (1929 - 2007)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
Email: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Szymanski, Dobrzynski, Teclaw, Lato

----Sources: Thorp Courier (Thorp, Clark Co., WI.) December 5, 2007

Szymanski, Leonard John (July 12, 1929 - November 9, 2007) Flag

Leonard John Szymanski, 78, of Eau Claire, peacefully passed away on November 9, 2007, surrounded by his family. Though his family mourns the loss of a wonderful father, grandfather and husband, in their memories is a man of upstanding character and dignity.

Leonard was born to the late John and Louise (Dobrzynski) Szymanski on July 12, 1929 in Thorp, WI. He grew up learning to farm, and he attended a one-room schoolhouse through 8th grade before moving on to Thorp High School, where he graduated in 1947. Growing up, Leonard was actively involved in St. Hedwig’s Catholic Church, where he met Marcella Teclaw, who would become his wife. Leonard and Marcie were engaged before Leonard left for a two-year tour of duty that took him to the front lines in the Korean War. After his discharge, Leonard and Marcie were married on September 8, 1953.

Leonard worked at various trades before achieving his goal of owning a dairy farm (just east of Thorp) in 1955, giving and receiving much help from family members who also farmed in the area. Leonard and Marcie had four sons on the farm (Daniel, Thomas, Donald, Ronald), and a fifth (Kenneth) when they moved to Eau Claire in 1970. Leonard worked at the Uniroyal tire factory as a booker, builder and inspector until he retired when the factory closed in 1991.

Leonard enjoyed fishing, taking walks, reading, listening to polka music, following the Milwaukee Braves/Brewers and Green Bay Packers, and, most of all, spending time with his ever-growing family, his biggest source of pride.

His marriage of 54 years to Marcie served as a model to his children and grandchildren. He will be remembered for his strong convictions, strong work ethic, and strong faith. Leonard’s hard work and dedication throughout his life provided countless opportunities for his family, and he will live on through them all.

Leonard is survived by his wife, Marcie; sons Dan (Barb) of Eau Claire, Tom (Sheryl) of New Brighton, MN, Don (Brenda), Ron (Jessica) and Ken (Sarah) all of Eau Claire; grandchildren Jason (Carrie) Jared, Nicole, Eric, Rachel, Kevin, Brian, Michelle, Christopher and Keegan; sister, Florence Lato of Eau Claire; and brothers: Richard (Elaine) of Thorp and Gerald (Rosemary) of West Salem, WI.

The family extends its gratitude to the staff members at Community Health Partnership, Care Partners, Sacred Heart Hospital, and The Clairemont for their care and support.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, at St. Olaf Catholic Church in Eau Claire with the Father Brian Konopa officiating. Interment will be in St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery. Evergreen Funeral Home served the family.

In lieu of flowers, any donations will be used toward a memorial fund/Alzheimer’s research fund in Leonard’s name.

Online condolences may be sent to email@evergreenfuneralhome.com