Leander John Stenz
Leander John Stenz, 80, town of Taycheedah, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, August 25, 2013, surrounded by his family.
Born in Johnsburg, WI on March 28, 1933, the son of Clem and Rose (Karls) Stenz, he was a long-time resident of Johnsburg. Leander married Mary Grace Ditter on May 16th, 1953 at St. John the Baptist Church in Johnsburg. Leander and Mary Grace owned and operated a farm near Johnsburg for 25 years, where they raised their 5 children. He later worked as an auto mechanic for Abhold’s Garage and as a lawn equipment repairman for Silica Hardware. He enjoyed repairing and re-inventing things to make them work better. A farmer at heart, he always enjoyed mowing lawn and blowing snow.
Leander was proud of his family; his sons inherited his mechanical ability and his daughter shares the joy of sewing with her mother. The family worked hard together and learned from each other. Leander loved sharing a bowl of popcorn with his grandchildren and giving them advice. They, too, made him proud with their accomplishments.
Leander and his wife served as Youth For Understanding representatives, hosting and placing exchange students. They opened their home to 7 exchange students; Mari, Mieko, and Atsuko from Japan, Ann Elin from Norway, Cecelia from Chile, Isabella from Brazil and Daniela from Uruguay.
Leander enjoyed many nights with his Card Club friends, playing cards or going out to dinner (or other shenanigans). A special thank you to dear friends, Nick and Mary, for always being there.
He leaves behind his wife of 60 years, Mary Grace; his sons Dennis (Janice), Gary (Gloria), Ken (Sandi), and Jeff (Marlene) all of Mt. Calvary, and his daughter Laurie Dary (Dennis) of Sun Prairie; his 9 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. He is further survived by his sisters, Virginia Bertram, Anita (Dave) Jones, and Mary Jane (Bill) Murray, his brother Melvin (Norma) Stenz; his sisters-in-law, Pat Stenz and Alice Stenz; and many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his brothers, Sylvester, Norman, and Ervin Stenz, and his sisters, Rosebelle Fryda, Elfreida Steffes; and his in-laws, Ione Stenz, Joanne Stenz, Elmer Steffes, Elmer Bertram, and George Fryda.
Heartfelt thanks to Father Mike Bertram, the nurses, caregivers, and entire staff at Agnesian Hospice Hope, for their compassionate and loving care given to Leander and his family during these past few weeks.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 28, 2013 from 3:00 to 8:00 PM at the Zacherl Funeral Home, 875 E. Division St. Fond du Lac. There will also be visitation Thursday, August 29th, 2013 at the funeral home from 9:30 to 10:15 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, August 29, 2013 at 11:00 AM at Holy Family Church, 271 4th Street Way, Fond du Lac, Rev. Michael Bertram O.F.M. Cap. will officiate. Cremation will follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Hospice Hope or Villa Loretto.
Zacherl Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family. www.zacherlfuneralhome.com