Leonard Heiderscheit
Leonard Matthew Heiderscheit, 98, of New Albin passed away Saturday, May 5, 2018 at Thornton Manor in Lansing. Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, May 12 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in New Albin with Father John Moser as celebrant. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.
Leonard was born to John and Florence Heiderscheit June 10, 1919 in Holy Cross. He lived in Holy Cross until 1941, when he and his brother, Charles, entered the United States Army. Leonard served in the Aleutian Islands during World War II and received the Purple Heart for wounds received at Dutch Harbor, AK. He participated in the liberation of Attu and Kiska, two American islands occupied by the Japanese. Charles was killed in action in Okinawa. Leonard was a longtime member of the Kenneth Casey VFW Post #5603 of New Albin.
Leonard and his brother, Leo, founded New Albin Auto Sales, a Chrysler/Plymouth dealership, and later purchased a Dodge dealership, Prairie Auto Sales Inc., in Prairie Du Chien, WI. Leonard, not being one to retire, then operated L&M Gas & Go with his son, Mark. At 94, he was still pumping gas. Leonard would have to be described as an old-fashioned businessman who was more concerned with service to the public than profit.
His civic contributions included funding and, with the help of others, operating an ambulance service in New Albin from the late 1950s until the middle 1960s. Ambulance services were gratuitous at that time. He served as a volunteer New Albin firefighter. Serving as both a school board member and board president, Leonard was a strong supporter of the former St. George High School. He ensured bus transportation for New Albin students by maintaining and, for a time, personally driving the bus. Compensation for these services was largely waived. In addition, he was recognized by Kee High School for his efforts over the years in helping the school district have an affordable drivers’ education program as well as a fleet of cars used for other school purposes.
He married Phyllis Imhoff June 14, 1948. They shared over 61 years together and were blessed with nine children. Leonard’s sense of humor was reflected in his witty sayings and teasing. If he teased you, you were special to him! He lived his faith, loved his family, and enjoyed his friends!
He is survived by nine loving children and 19 grandchildren: Mike and Melinda (Alecia, Mollie and Emilie) of Prior, OK, Richard and BeBe of La Crescent, MN, Mary and Alan (Elise and Amy) of Lake City, MN, Julie and Gene (Courtney, McKenze, Gabe and Quin) of La Crescent, MN, Mark of New Albin, Terry and Kristi (Tessie, Luka and Noel) of Rochester, MN, Chris and Patty (Evan, Julia and Colin) of Onalaska, WI, Tim and Jill (Coady and Matt) of New Albin, and Patrick and Janet (Jon and Ellie) of Lansing; as well as 15 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are two sisters, Rosemary Winner and Hazel Schend; a sister-in-law, Patricia Curran; many special nieces and nephews; and countless friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis; his parents; his brothers, John, Harold, Frank, Charles and Leo; his sisters, Agnes Klaas, Dorothy Crawford, Virginia Saylor, Julie Simon, Janette Dunne, Clara Dolter and Norma Wagner, and their respective spouses; as well as his Imhoff in-laws.
A special thank you to his “angel” homecare provider/sparring partner, Keri Becker, for the understanding, friendship, loving care, and many smiles she gave Leonard. Many thanks to the Thornton Manor staff who made Leonard a “home away from home” by providing professional care in a kindly, respectful and compassionate manner.
Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Lansing assisted the family with arrangements.
