Mark H. Leonhard, age 66, a resident of Manitowoc, entered eternal life on Monday, February 7, 2022 at Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice in Sheboygan Falls.
Mark was born on February 6, 1956 in Two Rivers to the late Clemens and Myra Loessl Leonhard. He graduated from Washington High School. On June 11, 1977, Mark married Diane Strouf at Holy Innocents Catholic Church in Manitowoc. He a proud union member for many years and had been employed at Manitowoc Engineering Company as a journeyman machinist, and later finished his working career at Manitowoc Public Utilities. Mark was an avid dirt track race fan and took the opportunity to attend races every chance he got. He loved old cars and attending car shows and owned a 2006 Mustang which he bought because it reminded him of the Mustang his dad owned when he was a kid. The car was Mark’s “baby” and he was aIways excited to feel the engine start up each spring. Mark enjoyed volunteering at Pinecrest Historical Village, was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Northeastern Wisconsin Mustang Club, Manitowoc County Organ and Stem Cell Transplant Support Group, and St. Francis of Assisi Parish.
Survivors include Mark’s wife of 44 years, Diane; three daughters whom Mark was very proud of, Christine (Tim) Brunow, Wauwatosa; Kimberly Leonhard and her significant other, Shaun Sweetalla, Madison; and Allison (Bryce) Millikin, Hedrick, IA; three grandchildren, Zach and Marissa Brunow, and Lena Millikin; two brothers, Thomas Leonhard and his significant other, Denise Mecha, Two Rivers, and Paul (Shelly) Leonhard, Valders; sister, Mary (Jeff) Gehler, Two Rivers; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Jerry (Linda) Strouf, Kiel; Pat Kenyon, Kansas City, MO; and Barb John, Manitowoc; also other relatives and friends. Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Clem and Myra Leonhard; brother, Jim; and sister, Kathy.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, February 14, 2022 at St. Francis of Assisi on Waldo -1121 North 14th Street, Manitowoc. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Ben Johnson. Cremation has taken place at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory and Chapel with burial of Mark’s cremated remains to be held at Evergreen Cemetery. Following the memorial service, a luncheon for family and friends will be held at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center located on the south property of the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home. The family will greet relatives and friends at St. Francis of Assisi on Waldo from 9 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 11 a.m. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com The family requests that attendees wear a face covering while attending the services.
In 2005, Mark was diagnosed with a disease called PSC which ultimately caused liver failure. After waiting 22 months for a liver, he was given the miracle of a liver transplant. Mark was so thankful to the family of the 22 year old who, in their darkest hour, had the courage to donate their son’s liver so that Mark could receive the gift of life. This donation gave Mark the opportunity to see his youngest daughter get married, to see the birth of his youngest granddaughter, and allowed him to watch his other two grandchildren grow from babies into middle schoolers.
Mark and his family would like to thank all of the doctors and nurses that cared for him over the years, especially Dr. Saeian and the care team of the Froedtert Hospital transplant floor, and most recently Sharon S. Richardson Hospice in Sheboygan Falls.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials in Mark’s name which will be used to benefit organizations that were important to him. Also, please talk with your family members if you are interested in organ donation. “Live life, then give life.”
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
