Leonard John Maier

Leonard John Maier, age 95, passed away on Wednesday August 6, 2014, at the American Lutheran Home, Mondovi. Born on March 14, 1919, in Cross Plains, WI the son of Ferdinand and Elizabeth (Ripp) Maier. Leonard served in WW II in the Pacific in the United States Army with the 37th Portable surgical hospital. In 1947, married Margaret Esser and to this union, 10 children were born. In 1985, married Marilyn Gunderson from Mondovi. Leonard farmed in the Oregon/Brooklyn area for many years. An active member within the Catholic faith communities at Holy Mother of Consolation in Oregon and Sacred Heart in Mondovi. The chapel of St. Mary's at Indian Lake held a special place in his heart. He was an avid gardener and no matter where he lived he always had a large vegetable and flower garden. He was best known for his beautiful morning glories. He was a lifetime fan of the Milwaukee Brewers. His other enjoyment was fishing, playing solo, polka music, and speaking German with his siblings. Leonard is survived by his children, Rita (Duane) Ketelboeter, Pat Strouf, Mary (Ken) Kump, John (Mary) Maier, Jim (Shannon) Maier, Phillip (Rhea) Maier, Debbie (Tom) Engelhardt and Laurie (Steve) Dunn; daughter in law, Anne (Art) Herbold; two step children, Eddy (Ginny) Gunderson and Mary Lou (Rick) Norby; 35 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; sisters, Marian Ziegler and Herminia Ziegler; brothers, Harry (Shirley) Maier and Alfred (Beverly) Maier; sisters in law; Mabel Maier, Katherine Maier and Darlene Kahl; also many nieces, nephews and friends. He is preceded in death by a daughter Jane; son, Tom; wife Marilyn; grandchildren, Emily Dunn, Melissa Kump, and stepson Roger Gunderson; brothers; Eddie, George, Nick, Werner, Arthur, Herman and Urban. Funeral service will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Mondovi on Tuesday, August 12 at 11 a.m. with an hour of visitation prior. Burial will be at St. Martin's Catholic Cemetery in Cross Plains, WI on Wednesday, August 13 at 2 p.m. with a gathering at St. Martin's Catholic Church at 1 p.m. The family wishes to thank the hospice staff, the American Lutheran Home of Mondovi and Dr. Charles Bantle for their special care. Donations may be made to your faith community or an organization in memory of Leonard. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.talbotfuneralhomes.com.