Obit: Moczarny, Leon M. (1919 - 2015)

Contact: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Brodbeck, De Groot, Lenihan, Marshall, Moczarny, Murphy, Neiman, Olichwier, O'Neil, Skalecki, Zenk, Zoromski

----Source: The Record - Review (Abbotsford, WI) 8/09/2015

Moczarny, Leon M. (24 SEP 1919 - 5 AUG 2015)

Leon M. Moczarny, 95, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 5, 2015 under the care of Interim Health Care and Hospice at Stone Crest Nursing Home in Wausau.

Leon was born September 24, 1919 to Joseph and Mary (Olichwier) Moczarny in Thorp, Wisconsin. He was the oldest of six children and spent his early years helping on the family farm – the start of a life-long commitment to hard work in support of family. Leon graduated from Thorp High School with the Class of 1937. His friendship with fellow classmate, Frances Neiman, ripened into a courtship accompanied by the music of the Big Band era. In March of 1941 Leon enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps where he was nicknamed "Mac" when they had difficulties pronouncing his last name. Early in his service he proposed to Fran, promising that they would marry as soon as he reached the rank of Staff Sergeant. They were married on June 5, 1943 at St. Hedwig Catholic Church in Thorp.

Leon and Fran moved to Florida where he was stationed at Morrison Field in West Palm Beach. Their first daughter, Barbara, was born there shortly before Fran moved back to Thorp, WI and Leon was sent overseas. He was stationed in Australia, the South Pacific and the Philippines. He received a bronze star for his outstanding performance during the Battle for Luzon.

In 1946 Leon and Frances moved to Wausau, WI where they opened the Dixie Cream Donut Shop. They owned and operated the shop for the next 35 years. Leon was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and the Elks. As a successful small businessman he developed and maintained many personal and business friendships in the community. Leon retired in 1981 but remained active in his community, participating in Golden K activities and volunteering at The Church of St. Anne where he and Fran were faithful members.

Leon was an avid golfer and stayed active through his interest in this sport as well as fishing and his monthly poker groups. Leon loved to travel. He and Fran enjoyed many trips together, visiting their grandchildren and sight-seeing throughout the United States.

Leon was a devoted family man, the true nucleus of his entire family. He was a faithful son and brother, and a loving husband, father and grandfather throughout his life. His love for Fran was unwavering and as strong as the day he proposed to her. They were married for 67 years and he was constantly at her side through her last illness.

Survivors include his son, James (Maureen) Moczarny, Suamico, WI, three daughters, Barbara (Robert) Murphy of Gloucester, MA, Patricia (David) De Groot of Puyallup, WA, and Sharon (David) Zenk of Hudson, WI, nine grandchildren, Sean, Timothy, Joshua and Daniel Murphy, Adrian DeGroot, Gretchen (De Groot) Lenihan, Jason, Jacob Moczarny, Steffanie Olson and Zachary Zenk, six great-grandchildren, Kedron, Anya, Finn De Groot, "Mac" Lenihan, Moses Murphy, Noah Murphy, sisters Louise O'Neil of Chippewa Falls, WI and Mary Ann Brodbeck of Holcombe, WI.

Leon was preceded in death by his parents, wife Frances, brother Rev. Chester Moczarny and sisters Irene Zoromski and Marjorie Skalecki.

A Memorial Mass will be held at Noon, Wednesday, August 12, 2015 at The Church of St. Anne, Wausau. The Rev. Matthew Marshall will preside. Entombment will be in Memorial Chapel Mausoleum, Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau.

Friends may call on Wednesday from 10:00 am until the time of services at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Forest Park Homme Heights, Inc., Wausau, WI.

Leon's family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the entire staff of Homme Heights, Inc., especially the staff of Stone Crest and the hospice nurses with Interim Health Care and Hospice for their constant care during his last days.