Lyle I. "Luke" Leonhardt

Lyle I. “Luke” Leonhardt, passed away on November 29, 2016, at GranCare Nursing Center, after spending the day with his loving family. Lyle was born at home in Fond du Lac, on April 16, 1927, the youngest of four children, to Christian and Elsie (Ballwanz) Leonhardt. He attended St. Peter’s Grade School and graduated from Fond du Lac High School in 1945, where he lettered in basketball and track, as well as playing with the Fond du Lac Bears Hockey Team while in high school. He was called to serve his country on July 5, 1945, with the United States Army, later receiving an honorable discharge after reaching the rank of corporal. He was so very proud to be a veteran, training at Camp Walters in Texas and then transferring to Camp Roberts in California. He then served at Fort Knox in Tennessee as an infantry instructor and later as the private secretary to the Adjutant General Corps Psychiatric Medical Department.Luke played basketball on a traveling team throughout his training and service. After returning to Fond du Lac, he worked at Mercury Marine and later attended Ripon College on the G.I Bill. He then attended Fond du Lac Junior College, where he received a degree in Business while continuing his basketball career. It was at this time in his life, that he met the love of his life, Jean Lingenfelter, on a blind date at a bowling alley with his good friend Marty. To this day, he remembers the aqua sweater she was wearing. Luke left the area briefly to try out for a semi-pro baseball team in McAllister, Oklahoma. When he returned, he and Jean dated and eventually married on May 17, 1952. This was no easy time for a young devout Lutheran man to marry an equally devout young Catholic girl - but it truly was their faith that maintained their love and family for the next 62 years. Their union was blessed with the birth of their son, Kurt, in 1953, a daughter Karen in 1957, as well as a son, Chris, in 1961. Luke worked at Madison Citizens Loan Investment Company, and transferred to their Fond du Lac Office in 1962. This is when Luke and his family moved to 483 Bruce Street, Fond du Lac, where they lived for the next 50 years. Luke was employed by Midwest Collection Agency in 1964, and in 1967, he joined the National Exchange Bank, where he worked until retiring as an Assistant Vice President in 1989. Shortly after returning to Fond du Lac, Luke was welcomed into, and joined Hope Lutheran Church, where he has been a member since April of 1963. He was also a charter member of the Noon Optimist Club forming in 1971, where he served as president, secretary treasurer, and was instrumental in their Art Show for many years, encouraging and rewarding youth for their artistic endeavors. He was a big fan of all Wisconsin sports. Our dad will be remembered for his incredible service to his country, faith, community, and especially his family. He is survived by his son, Kurt, who gave of his life graciously and relentlessly, for many years, to love and care for his parents; his daughter Karen, who is forever grateful for the example her father gave her to guide her to a life of service to others, and her husband, Mike, for he was given the father he never had. He was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife of 62 years, Jean; their son, Chris; two brothers: Marvin and Arlin Leonhardt; and his sister, Caroline Leonhardt.The family wishes to thank the staff at GranCare Nursing & Rehabilitation for their care, comfort, and support to our dad and family over the past several years. VISITATION: The family will greet relatives and friends from 10:00 -12:00 p.m. on Monday, December 19, 2016, at Kurki-Mach Funeral Chapel & Crematory, 31 East Division Street, Fond du Lac.SERVICE: A memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Monday at Kurki-Mach Funeral Chapel & Crematory with Rev. Steve Huff officiating.A private burial will be held on Tuesday at Calvary Cemetery.Memorials may be directed to Hope Lutheran Church or the Salvation Army.

Lyle I. "Luke" Leonhardt

April 16, 1927 - December 19, 2016