This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: TCMitten Surnames: Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.wisconsin.counties.shawano/16748/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Obituaries: Green Bay Area (WI) - October 1, 2007 Deceased Name: Wichlacz, Leonard M. Leonard M. Wichlacz, 77, Pulaski, passed away peacefully the evening of Sept. 29, 2007, with his loving family at his side. Born Oct. 23, 1929, to Frank and Sophie (Kutchek) Wichlacz on a small farm in the town of Maple Grove, Leonard enjoyed his youth working and playing with his four brothers, attending Laney Grade School and graduating from Pulaski High School in 1948. He worked at the Northern Shoe Factory until he was drafted into the Army in 1952, serving his country at a military base in Chicago for two years. After working in Chicago for a while, he returned to Pulaski where he worked for Kuklinski Lumber Company. On April 30, 1960, he married the former Patricia Hodkiewicz at Assumption BVM Church in Pulaski and they settled in the area to raise their family. In 1966, Leonard started Wichlacz Lumber in Pulaski, supplying building materials and creating many beautiful homes in the area. He oversaw the operation until 2002 when he retired to his other passion, farming. Leonard's two farms kept him very busy through the years, where he enjoyed driving his tractors and working the land for crops. He and his wife, Pat, consistently grew the sweetest sweet corn around and many people in the area enjoyed the fruits of their labor. He also enjoyed involving his family and friends in his variety of farm chores around the countryside and many home projects. Leonard enjoyed spending many happy times and traveling with his wife, Pat, family and friends, reading, watching westerns, hunting, fishing, golfing, bowling, listening to polka music and meeting the guys for coffee each morning. His talents in carpentry created many memorable gifts and home treasures for his family and friends. Leonard was a member of the American Legion Mixtacki-Johnson Post #337, Pulaski, a charter member of the Knights of Columbus, Bishop Bona Council #4439, Pulaski and a member of the Holy Name Society of Assumption B.V.M. Church. He also served his community on the Pittsfield Planning Commission. He leaves behind his loving wife, Patricia; their two sons, three daughters, one daughter-in-law and son-in-law and four grandchildren; Ken & Diana Wichlacz, Brianna and Connor, Pulaski; Jim Wichlacz, Pulaski; Jamie Wichlacz, Kristopher and Madeline (Rauscher), Pulaski; Susie and Neil Wichlacz-Worthingham, St. Paul, Minn; and Mary Lou Wichlacz, Minneapolis, Minn; brothers, Fred (Carmen), Pepin, Robert (Dorothy), Chippewa Falls, Frank (Diane), Pulaski; one sister-in-law, Bernice Wichlacz, Pulaski; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Richard (Genny) Hodkiewicz, Pulaski, Gerald (Diane) Hodkiewicz, Fond du Lac, Dennis (Sharon) Hodkiewicz, Shawano, and many nieces, nephews and their children. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Norbert, and an infant brother; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Agnes and John Hodkiewicz; aunts, uncles and one nephew. Friends may call at Marnocha Funeral Home, Pulaski from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Veterans service at 7 p.m. Closing prayer service at 7:30 p.m. Visitation continues after 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at Assumption B.V.M. Church, Pulaski. Funeral Mass 10:30 a.m. at the church, Fr. Patrick Gawrylewski, O.F.M., presiding. Committal service with full military honors to follow in the parish cemetery. The family would like to thank Fr. Patrick Gawrylewski and the many relatives and friends who worked on projects, helped on the farm and stopped by to visit Leonard during his year long battle with cancer. Special appreciation to the loving and caring providers of Unity Hospice for their support, kind words, smiles and hugs, especially Patty, Julie and Mary who could always bring a smile to Leonard's face. May God bless you all for serving others with respect, grace and dignity during their time of great need. Online Condolences may be expressed at www.marnochafuneralhome.com. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.