Leonard J. Jagler, 88, of Wausau, formerly of Hatley, died on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018, surrounded by his family, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
He was born on February 7, 1930, the son of the late Bernard and Esther (Milanowski) Jagler. He married Margarette Kosidowski on April 22, 1950, at St. Florian Catholic Church in Hatley. She survives.
Leonard was a proud PFC in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving during the Korean War and was one among many Marines that were a part of the atomic bomb tests. Upon returning and short stint as a farmer, Leonard spent many years driving truck across the country which he did until his retirement - hitting every continental state along the way.
Leonard was a polka-loving, Yahtzee-playing, family man. His laugh was contagious and his willingness to grab his tools and lend a hand was unequaled. He enjoyed hunting and woodworking, but nothing topped the joy of time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandkids.
The Jagler Clan has grown to a strong and mighty 36 but he will always be our #1.
Survivors besides his wife, Margarette, include his three daughters, Susan Steffke, Sioux Falls, SD, Maria (Curtis) Beste, Mosinee, and Ruth (Donald) Christianson, Weston; seven grandchildren, Shannon Steffke, Andrea (Anders Nottrott) Steffke, Kimberly (Cody) Wiesman, Laura (Eric) Vehlow, Nicholas (Krystina) Christianson, Nina (Alex) Folz, and Erica (Andrew) Koehl; 15 great-grandchildren, Mason & Saylor McCoy, Marley & Mayvis Wiesman, Bentley, Marcus & Emry Vehlow, Calvin, Elliott & Graham Christianson, Aiden Folz & Addison Purkis, and Mackenzie, Bode & Parks Koehl; a sister, Lorraine (Joseph) Barnett, Weston; and three nieces/nephews. He is preceded in death by an infant daughter, LuAnn and a son-in-law, Steve Steffke.
Services will be at 11:00, on Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018, at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 6101 Zinser St, Weston. The Rev. Greg Bohren will officiate. Burial will be at St. Florian Parish Cemetery, Hatley. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until time of services, at St. Agnes church. Beste Funeral home, Mosinee is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.bestefh.com
The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to Dr. Johnston, nursing staff and doctors at Aspirus Palliative Care unit for their compassion and wonderful care given to Leonard.