Leon John Larsen

Leon John Larsen, age 73 of Denmark, and formerly of Poynette, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at home, in the early hours of January 22nd. His long-fought battle with Multiple Sclerosis lasted nearly 30 years.

Leon, the son of Ray and June Larsen, was born on October 17, 1945 in Green Bay. Throughout his early life, Leon was extremely active with farm chores, playing ball, and hunting. Upon graduating from Denmark High School in 1963, he enlisted in the Air Force. He was proud to share, he served 364 days as a plane and helicopter mechanic in the Vietnam War. Afterwards, he continued with the Wisconsin Air National Guard and worked as a jet engine supervisor with the 115th Fighter Wing at Truax Field until retiring as a master sergeant in 1994.

Leon enjoyed duck, goose, pheasant, turkey, and deer hunting, and further hunting and fishing trips out of state. He was also found playing first base on the softball diamond, talking smart at the tavern, or discovering the hidden backroads of Wisconsin. He liked golf, shooting pool, and darts. Televised sports were always playing as he was an avid Badger, Packer, and Brewer fan. He was a member of Ducks Unlimited, American Legion, and the Poynette Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Leon moved back to his hometown of Denmark in 2008 with the help of his brother and nephew overseeing construction of an accessible residence. He was able to continue to live independently primarily due to the selfless assistance and care of Mary Pilgrim, and in return Leon was happy to have taught her the finer points of Brewer baseball.

Leon was preceded in death by his parents Ray and June, his brother John, and many beloved aunts and uncles. Leon is survived by daughters Rhonda Van Blaricom, and Paula (Michael) Petraitis, sibling Diane Hartig, grandchildren Ryan, Adam and Casey, former wife Mary, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Leon’s family extends heartfelt thanks to the many who helped him achieve his goal of living independently. He could always rely on Mary, Leslie, Chad, Steve and Mary for various needs. Special care was also provided by Dawn, Sue and Bonnie from Unity Hospice.

A visitation for Leon will be held on Monday, January 28th, from 9:00-11:00am at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Denmark. Pastor Andrew Zoerb will officiate the funeral service at 11:00am, military honors will follow, with a luncheon served afterwards. A private burial will be held in the future at the West Danish Lutheran Cemetery. Cotter Funeral and Crematory Care is assisting the family. Online condolences can be offered at www.cotterfuneralhome.com

Leon’s wish was to make an anatomical donation to further medical research and understanding of Multiple Sclerosis. A memorial page in his name has been established on the National Multiple Sclerosis Society website. Memorials can also be made in his name with the VFW Post 271, 131 W. Washington, Poynette, 53955.