Leon Carl Suhsen, age 86, passed away on April 7, 2022, in Hayward, Wisconsin

Leon was born on January 21, 1936, to Gustav and Annabelle Suhsen in Streator, Illinois. The family later lived on a dairy farm outside of Radisson, Wisconsin. While living on the farm in rural Wisconsin, Leon gained love and appreciation for the outdoors, especially hunting.

When he was of age, Leon left high school early to join the Navy and served for four years. In this time, he served on aircraft carriers and became a veteran of the Korean war. His main duty involved ferrying mail to ships at sea. In his later years he shared many stories with his children about his time in the navy - including a time he nearly died from a burst appendix.

During his time in the navy, Leon befriended Herb Katzner, who encouraged him to write a letter to his cousin Shirley Ann Mertig. His correspondence with Shirley turned into a romance and the couple was married on September 14, 1957. Following their marriage Leon and Shirley briefly resided in Plover, Wisconsin before moving to Hayward. In Hayward they started a family and raised their 5 children - Scott, Nancy, Lora, Lynn and Steve. The couple remained happily married for 64 years until the time of his death.

Working outdoors was important to Leon. He was employed for 40 years at Jonjak Cranberry Farms. Prior to this he briefly worked for Soo Line, a paper mill, as well as a mink farm. He had a strong work ethic, and his children have early memories of their father working long days, often leaving after dinner, to do odd jobs and handyman-type work - sometimes for pay, sometimes for bartering and other times just to help out friends.
Later in life Leon continued to enjoy deer hunting, fishing and gardening. He loved to spend time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Being outdoors remained important to him. Even into his eighties he continued mowing his grass and shoveling his driveway, which he did even until his last days at home.

In his younger years, Leon was an avid reader of books, and especially enjoyed western novels. In later years magazines and newspapers occupied most of his time. He loved watching sports and was a big supporter of Wisconsin teams, including the Badgers, Packers, Brewers and Bucks.

He is survived by wife Shirley, and his children Scott (Robin), Lora (John), Lynn and Steve, his grandchildren Tamara (Michael), Chance (Amberly), Amanda, Jessie, Bill (Jordan), Kym (Jon), Kayla and Bobby, and his 9 great grandchildren. He’s also survived by his three brothers and their families

Leon was preceded in death by his parents, Gus and Annabelle and by his daughter Nancy.

A Memorial Gathering will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon, Saturday, April 16, 2022, at Pineview Funeral Service with a luncheon to follow.

Last Update: Apr 11, 2022 2:14 pm CDT