Obit: Jantsch, Leonard John (1921 - 2014)

Contact: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Clark, Hanson, Jantsch, Krueger, Kuzinski

----Source: The Record - Review (Abbotsford, WI) 9/17/2014

Jantsch, Leonard John (8 APR 1921 - 19 SEP 2014)

Leonard John Jantsch, age 93, of Abbotsford, formerly of Athens, passed away on Friday, September 19, 2014 at Pine Ridge Assisted Living in Colby surrounded by his loving family under the tender care of hospice.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, September 23, 2014 at Christ United Church in Athens. Pastor Teri Hanson will officiate. Interment will be held in the Athens Public Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Athens American Legion Chapman-Belter Post #4. Family and friends are welcome from 5:00 until 7:30 PM on Monday, September 22 at Christ United Church in Athens and from 10:00 AM until time of services Tuesday at the church.

Leonard was born on April 8, 1921, the son of Henry and Francis (Kuzinski) Jantsch in the Township of Holton, Marathon County. He attended school in Dorchester. Leonard then went to work for Parsons Cloverdale Cheese Factory, becoming a licensed cheese maker at age 19.

He was inducted into the US Navy and served during WWII. Leonard returned to the cheese factory and then managed the Bloomville Co-op Cheese Plant in Merrill until 1950. He married the love of his life, Elvera Krueger, on May 15, 1948 at Christ United Church in Athens. Together they bought a farm in Frankfort Township in 1950 and retired in 1997.

Leonard was a member of Christ United Church in Athens and was proud to be involved with the planning and construction on the new building. He also served as Supervisor on the Board of the Town of Frankfort for many years. Leonard was a founding member of the Freedom Riders Snowmobile Club and a member for many years. He also was fantastic at building and fabricating. Leonard was a member of the Athens American Legion Post #4. He was also proud of his Austrian Heritage and loved to speak German. Together with his wife, Elvera, they enjoyed polka dancing and hosting numerous family get-togethers at the home place on the farm. Leonard especially loved his family and was proud of his sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Leonard is survived by his two sons, Charles (Cindy) Jantsch of Athens and John (Karen) Jantsch of Wausau; two grandchildren, Hilary (Jordan) Clark of Lake Geneva and Garrett (Chelsy) Jantsch of St. Paul, MN; and two great-grandchildren, Harrison and Zöe Clark.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Elvera on July 1, 2007; two brothers, Louis and George Jantsch.

The family would like to extend a special and sincere thank you to the staff at Pine Ridge Assisted Living for the wonderful care and support during Leonard's stay and also to his physician, Milton Viergutz.