Obit: Ploeckelman, Leonard A. (1921 - 2015)

Contact: Linda Mertens

Email: mertens@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Ploeckelman, Luedtke, Boeldt, Mand, Butzen, Moseby, Michaels, Rivera, McIntyre, Goetsch, Scheblein


----Source - Private Collection

Leonard A. Ploeckelman (5 Dec 1921 – 27 Jul 2015)

Leonard A. Ploeckelman, 93, of Sheboygan, was called home to Eternal Life on Monday, July 27, 2015, with family surrounding him. He was born in Dorchester, WI on Dec. 5, 1921, son of the late Otto and Hattie Luedtke Ploeckelman.

Leonard attended local schools in the Dorchester area. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army and valiantly served during World War II as one of the elite U.S. Army Rangers. Leonard was a member of the 5th Ranger Battalion and participated in the D-Day landing at Omaha Beach, Normandy. He was one of the first soldiers to step foot on Omaha Beach.

Leonard met the love of his life, Anita Boeldt, prior to serving in WWII. She waited for him to return and they were united in marriage on May 11, 1946 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Sheboygan. Leonard and Anita celebrated 69 years of marriage this past May.

He was employed at the former Thonet Furniture Company for over 20 years. He also worked as a TV repair man, antenna installer and a house painter. Leonard enjoyed fishing, playing dartball, cards, bowling and his daily walks. He and Anita were members of a bowling league for many years. Leonard and Anita enjoyed traveling to Army Ranger reunions around the country. He was a long-time member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and VFW post 9156. Leonard also especially enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Anita, of Sheboygan; three children, Judy (Ronald) Mand, of Valders, Lenny (Julie) Ploeckelman, of Sheboygan and Joan (Tim) Butzen, of Plymouth; five grandchildren, Amy (Sean) Moseby, Eric (Jill) Ploeckelman, Carrie (Joel) Michaels, Jennie (Roberto) Rivera and Annie (Jeremy) McIntyre; eleven great-grandchildren, Logan, Emma, Cade, Sawyer, Serena, Harper, Aliya, Brayden, Caleb, Decker and Isla; and Anita's nephew Mike (Kathy) Goetsch, of Cleveland. He is further survived by many other relatives and friends. Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, 6 brothers and a sister. He will be deeply missed.

A funeral service for Leonard will be held on Monday, August 3, 2015 at 11:00a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1634 Illinois Ave., Sheboygan, WI 53081 with Rev. Adam L. Scheblein officiating. Family and friends may call at the church on Monday morning from 9:00a.m. until the time of service at 11:00a.m. Entombment will take place in the Gardens of Peace Mausoleum at Greenlawn Memorial Park. VFW Post 9156 will be providing full military honors.