Leonard E. Zellner, 96, of New Franken, WI, has passed away, leaving behind a family and community who loved him dearly.
A life remembered begins, simply, with the telling.
Born in 1930, Leonard began a life that would touch many along the way.
Leonard spent his working life as ['small appliance repairman', 'custodian with the Green Bay School District'] and held deeply to the Catholic faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
The community of faith holds its own well — and Leonard was held.
Leonard E. Zellner, aged 96, passed away on Monday, May 4, 2026, of a broken heart. He was born January 27, 1930, in Walhain to the late Anna (Freix) and Charles Zellner. One of eleven children, Leonard, learned early the value and joy of a large family, something he carried forward in creating his own.On April 26, 1950, Leonard married the love of his life, Dolores (Rollin) Zellner. Together, they shared 75 years of marriage and raised twelve children. Leonard and Dolores were known for their deep partnership and were rarely seen apart.Faith was a cornerstone of Leonard's life. He was a devoted member of St. Kilian's Catholic Church, where he and his beloved wife were actively involved for many years. He was also a longtime member of Chambers Island Retreat House, where he participated in both solo retreats and couples retreats with Dolores.Leonard was a man of many trades. He worked as a small appliance repairman, operating a shop from his basement, and later taught small appliance repair at NWTC. He was also one of the first members of the Duquaine Fire Department, which later became the New Franken Fire Department, serving for several years as assistant fire chief. He later worked as a custodian with the Green Bay School District.Leonard was a man of many hobbies, but his favorite was working with his hands, lovingly crafting unique wooden trucks and toys for his grandchildren, each one made with care and now treasured. Known for his mischievous nature, he delighted in sharing that playful spirit with his grandchildren.Leonard is survived by eleven children, Carol (Don) Soquet and their children Jennie (Laurel), Brad (Jessie), and Brenda (Matt); Pat (Tom) Peer and their children Kate (Eric) and Michael (Jaclyn); Janet (Keith) Duquaine and their children Danielle (Jake) and Nicole; Leon (Sharon) Zellner; Galen (Teresa) Zellner and their children Jaime (Dave), Devin (Jared), and Dustin (Rachel); Mark (friend Barb Rybicky) Zellner; Steve (SueAnn) Zellner and their children Stephanie (Travis), Samantha (Alex), and Sterlin (Stephanie); Drew (Marti) Zellner; Dolly (Dan) Willems and their children Jacob, Megan (Dave), and Ben; Jane (Kelvin) George and their children Ryan (David) and Kelsie (Alex); Chuck (Kelly) Zellner and their children Lilly, Mason, and Max. He is also survived by 20 great-grandchildren; brother Russell Zellner; sister-in-law Vi Rollin; and many nieces and nephews.Leonard was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dolores, who passed in December 2025; their son Paul, who passed in 1977; his parents, his siblings and their spouses Elmer and Dora Zellner, Elsie and August Haen, Alvin and Eleanor Zellner, Albertine and Ray Paye, Clarence and Germaine Zellner, Loretta and Bernard LeRoy, Dick and Rosella Zellner, Cy and Donna Zellner, Betty and Raymond Vanden Plas, and Dorothy Zellner; as well as his in-laws, John and Pauline Rollin and their children, Arlene and August Eckert, Elizabeth and Raymond Estel, Phyllis and Amos Retzlaff, Marvin Rollin, and Beverly and Harvey Crevier.A visitation will take place on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at McMahon Funeral Home, Luxemburg. Closing prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue Wednesday, May 13, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at St. Kilian Church, New Franken. Funeral at 11:00 a.m. at the church with Rev. Patrick Beno celebrating and Rev. Richard Getchel Concelebrating. Entombment at the Shrine of the Good Shepherd Mausoleum, Green Bay. Online condolences can be shared at McMahonFH.com.Leonard will be remembered for his steady presence, his deep faith, and his unwavering devotion to his family. No matter what he was doing, if you stopped to visit, he would set everything aside giving you his full attention and making you feel that nothing was more important. He found joy in the simple things, time spent with those he loved, tending the garden, and building a life centered around faith and family. Reunited with Dolores, their love remains his lasting legacy.A special thank you to Woodside Manor II and Unity Hospice (Michelle) and Dr. Paul Pritchard for all the care and compassion given to our dad.
