Obit: Loertscher, Leonard W. “Len” (1921 – 2020)

Transcriber: History Buffs - jcbremer@charter.net 

Surnames: Loertscher, Lindenschmidt, Stock, McClung, Gillitzer

----Source: Scrapbook

Loertscher, Leonard W. “Len” (27 Sep 1921 – 11 Feb 2020)

Leonard W. Loertscher (Len), 98, Janesville, was called to his eternal home in heaven by his
Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday, February 11, 2020. He passed away peacefully while
residing at Rock Haven Nursing Home. Len was born September 27, 1921 in Medford, WI to
Herman and Lena (Lindenschmidt) Loertscher. There he grew up on the family farm and when
he wasn't working, spent countless hours playing baseball with his brothers. He graduated from
Medford High School in 1939. On September 27, 1947 he married June Stock in Medford.

Len spent the early part of his career working as a hog and cattle farmer in rural Woodstock, IL. He
left farming to drive semi-tractor trailers. He first hauled cattle for Daggett Trucking and then
drove for Neuendorf Trucking until it became ANR Trucking. He earned his "Mack Million
Mile" safety award, an achievement of which he was very proud, and retired after 25 years.

Len was an avid Brewers, Bucks and Packers fan. Most days you could find him "watching the
game." He and his wife enjoyed bike riding together and Len enjoyed spending time fishing and
pheasant hunting. In his first year of retirement, he took up golfing and made a hole in one at
Janesville's Riverside Golf Course. Len was often described as a sweet and gentle man. He was
well-known for his letter writing and his ability to turn strangers into friends wherever he went.
He also had a love for animals. Some most dear to him were his schnauzers, Otto, Shadow and
Dutchie, and his bengal cat, Toby. Len and June were married for 72 wonderful years. He was a
member of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Janesville since 1962 and up until his passing, was
the oldest member of the congregation.

Len is survived by his loving wife, June; 2 sons: Dennis Loertscher and Leonard Jr. (Jackie)
Loertscher of Janesville; 1 daughter Terry (Jack) McClung of Oconomowoc; 7 grandchildren:
Garilynn (Randy) Gillitzer, Danielle Pierson, Jonathan Loertscher, Steven (Sara) Loertscher,
Matthew Loertscher, Brian (Angie) Loertscher, Jennifer (Justin) Emann of Janesville; 14 great-
grandchildren, 9 great-great-grandchildren and numerous loving nieces and nephews. He was
preceded in death by his parents, 5 brothers, 2 sisters and daughter-in-law, Donna J. Loertscher.

Funeral services will be held at 11am on Monday, February 17, 2020 at Mt. Calvary Lutheran
Church, 2940 Mineral Point Ave, Janesville, with Pastor Carl Seeger officiating. Visitation will
take place on Sunday, February 16, 2020 from 4pm to 6pm at the Whitcomb-Lynch Funeral
Home, 21 S. Austin Rd, Janesville. Visitation will continue on Monday from l0am until the hour
of service at 11 am at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church. Graveside services will be held on Tuesday,
February 18, 2020 at 1pm at Abbotsford Cemetery, Abbotsford, WI.

With our sincerest gratitude, we wish to thank the entire staff of Mercy Manor, Mercy Hospice and Rock Haven Nursing Home for their loving care, compassion and support throughout Len's journey.

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