Leo Wenisch

Leo Frank Wenisch was born April 15, 1919, in Brookville Township, Redwood County, to Frank and Anna (Marz) Wenisch. Leo attended schools in Springfield and worked part-time at Fecker's Grocery Store and Schilling's Hardware. On July 30, 1940, he married Irene Willms at St. Raphael's Catholic Church in Springfield. Leo enlisted in the US Army in 1942, and served as a Staff Sergeant in the Middle East European Theatre, being honorably discharged in 1945. After returning home from the war, he went back to work for Schilling's Hardware as a salesman, and continued in that capacity until 1971, when he and his son Doug purchased the hardware business. Leo worked in the store until his retirement in 1981. Leo and Irene managed the Springfield Theater for several years, and Leo served on the Theater Board until it eventually closed and the building was sold. Leo was a lifelong member of St. Raphael's Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Catholic Order of Forsters, and the American Legion. Among other committees, he served many years on the Springfield Planning and Zoning Board. Leo enjoyed his family and friends, spending time at their lake home, fishing and hunting, traveling, remodeling homes, and watching the Minnesota Twins. Leo Frank Wenisch died Monday, December 4, 2006, at the Springfield Medical Center-Hospital at the age of 87 years. Survivors include wife- Irene of Springfield; sons- Robert and wife Jessie of St. James, Doug and wife Sue of Springfield, Dean of Sleepy Eye, Gary of Minneapolis, and David and wife Dawn of Ham Lake; 6 grandchildren; and 5 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister- Viola Billmeier; and brother- Sylvester.