Leonard L. Simkowski

Leonard L. Simkowski, 93, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, August 3, 2017.

Leonard was born July 9, 1924 in the Town of Linwood, the son of John and Margaret (Schmanski) Simkowski.

He grew up on a farm in the area and attended Woodville School. Leonard married Shirley Higgins on August 30, 1945 and would have celebrated 72 years of marriage this month.

On June 23, 1945 he entered into military service in the Army Air Force during WWII. He received the World War II Victory Medal and was honorably discharged on August 4, 1946.

Leonard and his wife farmed in Millcreek in the Town of Carson for several years and then purchased their current farm in the Town of Linwood in 1954. They operated the farm and also contracted school buses. They owned and operated Simkowski Bus Lines for over 40 years serving the Stevens Point Public and Catholic Schools. Leonard also served on the Town of Linwood Board as treasurer for 59 years.

Leonard enjoyed spending time with family and friends, polka music, riding in his Kubota, hunting and gardening. His lifelong dedication to hard work on the farm was his pride and joy, as were his animals. Leonard especially loved horses, cattle and his long time companion, Bailey his dog, who was always at his side.

Survivors include his wife Shirley, brother Ernie Simkowski and children, Donald (Cindy) Simkowski, Loveland CO, Jerome (Gladys) Simkowski, Junction City, Tom Simkowski, Kodiak, AK, Denise (Clair) Hulce and Dennis (Marg) Simkowski both of Stevens Point. He is further survived by 13 grandchildren Sidney(Carolyn) Simkowski, Jeremy (Connie) Simkowski, Tami (Curt) Carstensen, Sam Simkowski, Lisa (Larry) Adams, Nicole (Jason)Deppe, Jacob (Jamie) Simkowski, Raffe Hulce (Ashley Arbagosh), Dacia (Jake) Fletcher, Mackenzie(Shaun) Karaliunas, Karlee Simkowski, Jerney Simkowski and Delaynie Simkowski along with 22 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, infant sister, 4 brothers, Harry, Theodore, Stanley, Chester and great grandson Ezra Simkowski.

A prayer service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday August 8, 2017 at Pisarski Funeral Home Stevens Point. Visitation is Monday August 7, 2017 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. and again at 10:00 a.m Tuesday until the time of the prayer service. Burial with full military honors will follow at the Linwood Union Cemetery. Pisarski Funeral Homes are honored to be serving the family. For online condolences please visit www.pisarskifuneralhome.com

A special thank you to family and friends who visited and gave support, the guidance of Ministry Home Care Services as well as Ken and Karen Seehafer of Marshfield, who provided a special horse drawn wagon ride in Leonard's honor.