James Leonard

DEFOREST/WAUNAKEE - James L. Leonard passed away at his home in DeForest, WI on Monday, May 9, 2016 with his wife Pat by his side. He was born to Jacob and Emma (Breggeman) Leonard on August 5, 1924. He was the youngest of 10 children all of whom have predeceased him, three sisters and six brothers. Jim attended DeForest High School and one semester at UW-Madison.

Jim purchased a farm during WWII and with his new bride, Joanne Kerwin, they made their home, raising cows, pigs, and chickens. They had two sons, Dennis and Donald, both who built homes on the farm land that Jim and Joanne owned. When Jim retired from farming and sold the farm to his grandson AJ, he and Joanne had a new home built on Pine Spring Road next to where Dennis and his wife Michele built theirs.

After Joannes’ passing, Jim made contact with a high school friend, Virginia Calkins. They enjoyed each other’s company till Virginia passed away in August, 2013.

Jim joined the Prairie Athletic Club in Sun Prairie and there he met Patricia Morgan. They dated and were married May 2, 2015. They recently celebrated their one year anniversary by renewing of their vows.

In March of 2015, Jim was diagnosed with colon cancer, which he died from. He was with Agrace Hospice Care and his nurses were so very good to him and Pat. Angela, Joanne, Lynn, Autumn and the many others who came to care for him.

Jim was active in the Waunakee Rotary Club since 1978. He received the Paul Harris Award. He enjoyed the members and friends he made while a member and was forever glad that he joined this club. Jim loved to play cards, both Sheepshead at the DeForest Community Center and his Saturday Morning Gang playing Six-Handed Euchre. Jim taught Pat to play and she had a good teacher.

Jim is survived by his wife Pat, son Donald and his family, daughter-in-law Michele Leonard and Her family. He is survived by 6 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. He is further survived by Pat’s son Alan Anckner and his wife Michelle and their family. Jim is also survived by brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, nephews and nieces. Jim was predeceased by his son Dennis and his daughter-in-law Dorothy.

A Funeral service will be held at NOON, on Monday, May 23, 2016 at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 6924 Lake Road, DeForest, with Pastor Charles D. Peterson presiding. A visitation will be held from 10:00AM until time of service on Monday at the funeral home.

The family wishes to thank everyone who sent cards, called Jim, and came to visit him during this past year. Memorials can be made to Waunakee Rotary Club, Agrace Hospice Care or a charity of your choice. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com