Ronald Elwood Leonhardt

LEONHARDT, RONALD ELWOOD LODI/DANE-Ronald Elwood Leonhardt, age 56, passed away on Monday, October 6, 2014, at home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on September 11, 1958 at Methodist Hospital in Madison, the son of Elmer and Arlene (Kruger) Leonhardt. Ron attended Windsor Grade School, graduated Deforest High School and attended one year at MATC for auto body. He married his wife, Bev on June 25, 1993 and became part of the family with their children, Jen (Dave), Derek and Cassie (Pat). Ron worked at Alkar as an installation supervisor for more than 30 years. He traveled the world but seen it from a different perspective. Ron was a craftsman, loved the outdoors, hunting, boating and 4-wheeling. He was a wonderful husband and father to their children. Ron also loved his 4-legged family Sonya, Chico, Roxy and Caly. He loved his sisters and nieces and nephews. Ron would try to make it to all gatherings, especially the holidays, where he would make homemade gifts for all of them. He had many friends, including close friends Bart Baker and Phil Crary. Ron was always working on projects, he liked being busy, even if it was just pulling weeds. He traveled many places, and when diagnosed he said, Bev we are going to Thailand so you can see the world, a trip of a lifetime. They took many ATV trips up north, because it was an adventure that was fun and exciting. Ron is survived by his wife; children; sisters, Barb (Rodger), Elizabeth (Norman), Diane, Mary (Arling “Butch”); his father-in-law, John Benish Sr.; brothers and sisters-in-laws, Dan, Mike (Becky), Cindy (Gary), John Jr. (Shellie), Barb (Wayne) , Lynn (Eric), Gerry (Judy) and Pat, along with many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, friends and family. He was preceded in death by his parents; maternal grandparents, Albert and Ada Kruger; paternal grandparents, Elwood and Minnie Leonhardt; mother-in-law, Mary Ann Benish and niece, Emma Benish A Memorial service will be held at the HAMRE GUNDERSON FUNERAL HOME, 157 S. Main St., Lodi at 2:00 pm, on Saturday, October 11, 2014 with Chaplain Dan Pulsfus officiating. Visitation will be held from 12:00 noon until the time of the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the UW Carbone Cancer Center. The family would like to thank the staff at the UW Carbone Cancer Center and Agrace HospiceCare Inc. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com Hamre Gunderson Funeral & Cremation Care 157 S. Main Street, Lodi (608)592-3201