Leo William Abel, age 91, passed away on Monday, May 18, 2026, at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison, WI. He was born on July 15, 1934, to Leo and Augusta (Schultz) Abel in North Leeds, WI.

Leo attended elementary school in Burke, Wisconsin and later graduated from high school in Sun Prairie. He proudly served for eight years in the United States Navy Reserve during the Korean War era. On June 27, 1953, Leo married Bernice Heiking at the Sun Prairie Methodist Church, beginning a marriage built on dedication, hard work, and family.

Leo spent 45 years working for Oscar Mayer before retiring. In retirement, Leo loved being outdoors gardening, woodworking, and fishing. He especially enjoyed tinkering in his workshop, restoring antique tractors, repairing small engines, and welding—always happiest when working with his hands.

Leo is survived by his loving wife, Bernice; children, Garry (Tammy Henry) Abel, Rodney (Debra) Abel, Jason (Rita) Abel; daughter-and-laws, Marion Evenson, Sue Abel; 7 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; sister, Florence and other family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sons, Eugene and Douglas Abel; 2 great-grandchildren; and 1 sister.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the nurses and staff at St. Mary's Hospital for the compassionate care and kindness shown to Leo during his time there on hospice.

A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Ryan Funeral Home, 6924 Lake Rd
DeForest, WI. Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service. A private family burial will take place at Roselawn Memorial Park in Monona, WI.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of one’s choice in Leo’s honor.

To view his obituary or leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Windsor/DeForest Chapel
6924 Lake Road
608-846-4250

Leo Abel

July 15, 1934 - May 18, 2026

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