Leo Norman Fehlberg, age 85, passed away peacefully to his heavenly home on Aug. 5, 2013 at the Theda Clark Hospital in Neenah, WI.
Leo was born on May 20, 1928 in Merrill to Max Fehlberg and Mabel Spraque.
Leo met his future wife, Eleanor Hill, and got married July 22, 1950. They just celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary on July 22 of this year.
Leo grew up in the 6th ward in Merrill, where he made many good friends. After his father, Max, passed away, Leo moved to the Town of Merrill with his mother, Mabel, who taught at different schools in the area. As a teenager, he developed a passion for auctions. He helped out where he could and was eventually hired for his knowledge of items sold at auctions. He knew the value of items and had the ability to repair some of them, especially farm equipment. Leo was also a milk-hauler and a Merrill school bus driver. Later in life, he helped run the family dairy farm. Leo also served on the church council, was a town supervisor and chairman. He was elected to the Lincoln County ASC Committee.
Leo was extremely proud of his Chippewa Indian heritage. He enjoyed visiting his mother’s resort in Flambeau, WI, where he would enjoy the crystal waters of Little Crawling Stone Lake. Leo also enjoyed bird watching and working with plants and flowers. He had the ability to fix (or at least try) anything. He was known for his good sense of humor and was very well respected in the community. Leo also enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers.
Leo is survived by his wife, Eleanor Fehlberg; children, Sue (Mike) Kunkel, Kay (Jeff) Simon, Sandra (Scott) Gipple and John (Patty) Fehlberg; 9 grandchildren, Tricia (Luke) Lazare; William (Christie) Kunkel, stationed in Incola, Italy; Dana (Rob) Klug; Lea (Aaron) Kultgen; Karissa Gipple; Lynn Simon; Shelby Fehlberg; Steven Fehlberg and Ricky Fehlberg. 6 great-grandchildren, Amara; Leo; Lola; Evie; Willow- all from Merrill; and Lilly in Incola, Italy; sister Darlene Hill, Mississippi. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Steven Fehlberg in 1981; sister, Lois Lingle and a grand-daughter, Laura Ann Kunkel.
Visitation will be held at the Waid Funeral Home in Merrill on Thursday, Aug. 8 from 4-8 p.m. The funeral service will be held at St. Stephens Church in Merrill on Friday, Aug. 9 at 10:30 a.m., with a visitation starting at 9:30 a.m. at the church until the time of the service. Pastor Missy Holdorf will be officiating. Burial will be at Merrill Memorial Park following the service.
Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.