Obit: Olbrantz, Leonard J. (1925 - 2017)

Transcriber: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Brod, Deese, Diermeier, Geyser, Gorajski, Kardack, Klumpyan, Laska, Lodholz, Marquardt, Olbrantz, Orshak, Passow, Pitek, Radtke, Schroeder, Schultz, Wiesman

----Source: The Record - Review (Abbotsford, WI) 5/27/2017

Olbrantz, Leonard J. (22 MAY 1925 - 22 MAY 2017)

Leonard J. Olbrantz, 92, Marathon, passed away peacefully on his birthday, May 22, 2017, surrounded by family at his home.

He was born May 22, 1925, in Wausau, the son of the late Bernard Sr. and Rose (Kardack) Olbrantz. On March 8, 1947, he married Ruth Schroeder at St. Michael Catholic Church, Wausau. She survives.

Leonard worked many jobs throughout his life including Crestline, Foremost White House Dairy, custodian at Marathon School and Michael’s Pipeline. He was an amazing glass glazer and fixed windows as a part-time job. He was a Marathon village board member for over 10 years. He served his country in the United States Navy during World War II serving in Okinawa and Iwo Jima. In 2011 he was proud to have taken the Honor Flight with his son, Leon, and was a 60 year member of the American Legion Alois Dreikosen Post No. 469, Marathon.

Leonard could fix anything that was broken. If anything was in need of repair, we always went to Pa and he helped fixed it.

He enjoyed music, playing cards, watching the Packers, Brewers, Three Stooges and the Andy Griffith show. He also enjoyed an occasional trip to the casino and, above all, spending time with family.

Survivors include his wife, Ruth Olbrantz; children, Lia (Dave Brod) Klumpyan, Larry (Catherine) Olbrantz, Linda (Ken Cole) Olbrantz, Lois (Cliff) Laska, Luanne (Robert) Wiesman and Leon Olbrantz; one daughter-in-law, Rita Passow; grandchildren, Len (Jenny) Olbrantz, Kim (Keith) Marquardt, Kevin (Jennifer Orshak) Klumpyan, Craig (Rebecca) Klumpyan, Cara (Dan) Geyser, Jamie (Matthew) Gorajski, Natalie (Derrick) Deese, Rick (Karla) Radtke, Chris Radtke, Lisa Laska, Holly (Scott Ohmart) Laska, Andrew (Becki) Wiesman and Greta Wiesman; 17 great-grandchildren; and siblings, John (Sally) Olbrantz, Bernard (Marie) Olbrantz, Alan (Diane) Olbrantz, Mary (Don) Schultz and Sister Eunice Olbrantz.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Leonard Jr.; infant grandson, Scott; sons-in-law, Richard Klumpyan and Randy Lodholz; brothers, Dan, Clem and Leo Olbrantz; and a sister, Violet Pitek.

The funeral Mass was celebrated at 12 noon on Saturday, May 27, 2017, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon. Rev. Msgr. Joseph Diermeier presided. Burial was in the parish cemetery where full military honors were conducted by the American Legion Alois Dreikosen Post No. 469, Marathon. Visitation was Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service, all at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon.

The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to caregivers, Niki and Ruth, with a special thanks to his “favorite,” Debbie Marzynski, as well as Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services, his favorite nurse Mary, Dr. Ahuja and staff at the Cancer Center for the kind, compassionate care given to Leonard by all.

Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.