Leo E. Wiesman passed away at his home in West Bend, WI on Saturday, August 31, 2019. He was 91 years old. Leo was born on November 16, 1927 in Marion, WI to Albert and Lillian (née Radtke) Wiesman and grew up in Antigo, WI.
He served in the U.S Army and was honorably discharged. Leo worked in varied fields of employment: brakeman on the railroad; owned an IGA grocery store in Horicon, WI and a laundromat in Hustisford, WI; sold life insurance and managed several insurance branch offices in southern Wisconsin; and was the sales manager for a leather dry cleaning company.
His family was the focus of his life and his proudest legacy. He was a character making us both laugh and cringe. He loved playing with children, shared stories with all about his growing up in Antigo, WI, and told many dad and risqué jokes. In his last seven years, he took up painting, which gave him a new way of expressing himself. He created many paintings ("Leo Wiesman Originals") that he gave as treasured gifts.
Leo is survived by his seven children: Lou Ann (Bob) Mantei, Tom (Gigi Peters) Wiesman, Jim (Deb) Wiesman, Pat Negrete, John (Ted Broussard) Wiesman, Mark (Julie Tolan) Wiesman, Tod (Deb Goldman) Wiesman; 16 grandchildren: Scott (Jen) Mantei, Max (Alicia Hahn) Mantei, Marisa (Bob Gifford) Wiesman, Max (Nicole) Wiesman, Molly Wiesman, Eric (Shelly Stum) Wiesman, Geoff Wiesman, Daniel (Stephanie) Wiesman, Austin Schiller, Ryan Schiller, Matthew Negrete, Amy (Brian McManus) Negrete, Michael Negrete, Anne Wiesman, Mary Wiesman and Elijah Wiesman; 13 great-grandchildren: Carter, Avery and Harper Mantei, Josh Mantei, Leo and Finnie Gifford, Hans Wiesman, Christopher Wiesman, Brody and Brynlee Schiller, Gabriel Gauger, Javier Negrete and Calvin McManus; Leo is further survived by other relatives and friends.
Leo is preceded in death by his wife of 60 years and best friend Lois (née Werch) Wiesman and his parents.
Per Leo's wishes, no formal service will be held. The family will have a private gathering to celebrate Leo's life to take place at a later date.