Lyle J. Leonhardt

Lyle J. “Beeb” Leonhardt, 82, died peacefully on Friday, May 6, 2011, at St. Agnes Hospital, Fond du Lac, with his loving family at his side.He was born on December 18, 1928, in Fond du Lac, a son of Albert and Edith Crook Leonhardt.Lyle graduated from Fond du Lac Senior High School.He married Nancy A. Panetti on April 18, 1953.He worked at Mercury Marine for 27 years and retired in 1990. He worked for five years at both Giddings and Lewis and then as a correctional officer for the State of Wisconsin. He was a member of the United States Army Reserve. He was co-founder of the Fond du Lac Lost Arrow Archery Club in 1956 and held various offices. Lyle and Ed Blatz organized the L & B Fishing Tournament which ran for 25 years. He was co-founder of Walleyes for Tomorrow and was their first treasurer. He was also a member of the Eagles Aerie 270 of Fond du Lac for 34 years.Lyle loved to fish and hunt with his son, family, and friends. He enjoyed spending time at his cottage with his wife, family, and friends. His family was the joy of his life and held great pride for each one of them.He is survived by his wife, Nancy Leonhardt; a son, Kurt A. (Deborah) Leonhardt and their son, Joseph, and his daughters: Tanya (Jim) VanSomeren and Kelly Rubisch; daughters: Beth Damm-Wendels and her children, Phillip (Shannon) Damm and Amy (Chris) Behnke; Louann (Bruce) Fauska and their children, Reid (Tricia), Nerissa (fiancé Matthew Bertram), Kirstie (fiancé Nicholas Leestma); Peggy (Jim) Leu and their children, Tony (Heather) Leu, Natalie (Kevin) Kimpel, Kevin Leu (special friend Marisa); sister-in-law, Mrs. David Leonhardt, and her children, Linda (Chuck) Hooper, Diana (Lawrence) Peterson, Patricia (Buck) Jackson; brother-in-law, Dennis (Martha) Panetti and their children, Cathy (Mark) Epps, and Cindy (Frank) Cyr; nephew, Jerry (Mary) Montie; niece Joanne Montie (Carl Bresser); eight great-grandchildren; many cousins and friends.He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, David Leonhardt; a brother, Emmett (Diane) Leonhardt and their son, Christopher; his wife’s parents, Paul and Florence Bird Panetti; and a niece, Sue Panetti Lee.A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 11, 2011, at Memorial Baptist Church, 645 Forest Avenue, Fond du Lac, with Rev. Brian Hastings officiating. The family will greet friends and relatives on Wednesday at church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Lyle J. Leonhardt

December 18, 1928 - May 6, 2011