Obituary of Ronald Ralph Leonhard

Ronald R. “Tick” Leonhard 1944-2023

Age 78, of Medford, passed away in the evening hours on Thursday, September 14, 2023 at his residence with constant care from his wife, Leanne and her family members. Family members wish to express their heartfelt thanks to St Croix Hospice team who lovingly assisted in Ron’s care during his illness.

Funeral Services will be held at 1 PM on Friday, September 22, 2023, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Unity with Pastor Teri Hanson officiating. He will be laid to rest at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Colby with full military honors provided by Colby VFW Post 2227. Family and friends are invited to gather at the church on Friday from 11 AM until time of service. The honor of pallbearer belongs to Gage Plechaty, Lucas Leonhard, Bill Leonhard, Gabriella Leonhard, Travis Schmitt and Rodney Kohl.  Honorary pallbearers are Michael Baumgarten and Nathan Steinmetz.

Ron lingered in his illness but was in a hurry to enter the world when he was born in a house in Unity, WI to Ralph and Dorothy (Jewett) Leonhard on October 2, 1944.

He attended school in the Colby School District. As a young man he joined the United States Marine Corps where he served his country until his honorable discharge on September 22, 1966.

He and Judy Dawson were joined in marriage and had 2 sons together. They later divorced.

He met the love of his life, Leanne Reise, in May of 1976. They were married on August 4, 1984 in Wausau, WI.

He worked many years for Distributors Warehouse, later known as Carquest Auto Parts.

He enjoyed riding and working on motorcycles and in1985 he became the proud owner and operator of a motorcycle parts shop Unity, WI. It was known by countless bike enthusiasts as “Go Hawg Wild”. His customers became very close friends and many hours were spent in the shop just talking and spending time together. His love of motorcycles brought him a great deal of pleasure and forged many friendships not the least of those were ones with the members of the motorcycle club, “The Lonely Few”.  The love of his Harleys was such that he and Leanne even traveled to and from their wedding ceremony on the back of his “Hawg”.

Tick’s other great love were his pets. They were more like family members than pets. Throughout the years Ron joyfully shared his life with many pets especially the dogs he loved. He cherished his time with them and mourned their passing. His special shop kitty, Allie, reigned supreme in her kingdom of “Go Hawg Wild’ and faithfully welcomed the Harley dudes at the door of the shop. 

He was a lifetime member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Unity. As Tick struggled with his illness, he became closer and closer to “His God” and wasn’t afraid to share his faith with the people that entered his life.

Just as he was supported during his illness, he supported others during their time of need. Especially his mother-in-law, Rita Reise (deceased Feb 22, 1997), brother-in-law, Brian Reise(deceased Feb 25, 2021) and father-in-law, Charles Reise (deceased July 18, 2023). Ron grew closer to them as they journeyed though their illnesses.

Those who will cherish Ron’s memory include his loving wife, Leanne; his boys, Scott (Trish) Leonhard of Spencer and Troy (Tamie) Leonhard of Auburndale; his grandchildren, Gabriella, Aurora and Kambria and his siblings, Janet (Dale) Block, Cathy (Kerry) Steinmetz and Greg (Jody) Leonhard as well as his faithful canine companion, Sassy Mae Leonhard along with many other relatives, friends and neighbors.

Family members preceding him in death were his parents, Ralph and Dorothy Leonhard; his sister, Dorothy Eileen in infancy and his brother, Gary Leonhard.

If desired, memorial contributions in Ron’s name can be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church Food Pantry in Unity or to the Marshfield Area Pets Shelter “MAPS” in Marshfield.

Ron’s arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com