Spanky's Place :: Well done, good and faithful servant

Category Personal

A hero passed away tonight.

Leonard Hoehn was a humble, quiet, hard working man. He grew up as a Minnesota farm boy, joined the US Army at 17, and served in World War II. He returned a hero of the Battle of Ardennes, the liberation of Buchenwald concentration camp, and the occupation of Berlin.

After the war, he came home to the family farm, where he lived until he got married. This summer (August) marked their 54th anniversary. I can't really say they celebrated it, considering he has been trapped inside a slowly failing body since his stroke last December.

Over the course of their marriage, Leonard worked as a mechanic and engine delivery man, a travelling salesman, and owned several businesses. Along the way he and Laurine managed to raise four wonderful daughters, one of whom just happens to be my wife.

I've known Leonard for over 20 years now. During this time I've come to truly love and admire him. Like I said, he was a humble, quiet, hard working man. He was, and is, a hero.

I'm going to miss him.

-Devin

Wowsers! A Tag Cloud!

Comments

1 - My heart goes out to you and yours, sir. Let me know if there's anything I can do.

Posted by Nathan T. Freeman At 07:17:56 AM On 09/12/2008 | - Website - |

2 - Sorry to hear this, Devin. Knowing it is coming doesn't make it any easier. Peace, my friend, to you and your family.

Posted by Don McNally At 07:55:14 AM On 09/12/2008 | - Website - |

3 - Devin, I'm so sorry for your family's loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for sharing your wonderful stories about Leonard and his life.

Posted by Tony At 11:32:26 AM On 09/12/2008 | - Website - |

4 - Deepest condolences to you, Tanya, and your extended family for the loss of Leonard and Virgil. Peace

Posted by Joe Litton At 03:45:09 PM On 09/12/2008 | - Website - |

5 - Devin, Tanya and family- We are so sorry for your loss! May God grant eternal mercy on Leonard and may the Perpetual Light shine upon him! May Leonard experience eternal joy, and may you all experience peace and comfort. If there is anything we can do for you, please call! God bless you all and give you peace!

Posted by Ray Bilyk At 03:47:45 PM On 09/12/2008 | - Website - |

6 - Devin and Tanya, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. He sounds like a wonderful worldly man who could probably offer great advice on just about everything from his own personal firsthand experience. What a fulfilling life! And of course, he gave you Tanya and your own happy life, which is probably the sweetest thing a father could ever see. After reading this, I went and re-read the comments others had left when I posted about my father recently; I now am in their place when they wrote their responses. Sure enough, as most of them wrote, I am always thinking of him, more than ever, and I really do miss him. One day you'll go back and re-read what you wrote, and read these comments, and smile, remembering him all over again.

Posted by Jess Stratton At 03:49:27 PM On 09/12/2008 | - Website - |

7 - Sorry to here about your loss, Leonard sounded to be a wonderful man and a excellent example for us all. They dont call them the greatest generation for nothing. our world will not be the same without Leonard and men like him. Rena and I will pray a special prayer for you, Tonya and kids. May God surround your family with the true comfort that only comes from him.

Posted by Steve At 03:59:24 PM On 09/12/2008 | - Website - |

8 - Devin, thank you for the bio on Leonard.I have known Tanya for 28 years and never knew all this about her dad. may God be with you all and give you comfort.

Posted by null At 04:11:26 PM On 09/12/2008 | - Website - |

9 - We are sorry for you loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayer. May God keep you and your family safe in his arms. Especially in your time of need. If you need anything we are just a phone cal away.

Posted by Jennifer Bilyk At 04:13:27 PM On 09/12/2008 | - Website - |

10 - Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, my dear friend. It is never easy losing a parent, but I know that my loss was lessened as I knew that his suffering was over and he went straight to heaven - I know the same is true for Leonard and Virgil.

Posted by Kitty & Warren Elsmore At 05:07:50 PM On 09/12/2008 | - Website - |

11 - I'm sorry to hear about your loss. I hope you all find peace.

Posted by Vitor Pereira At 06:05:53 PM On 09/12/2008 | - Website - |

12 - I'm sorry for your loss, my friend.

Posted by Rob McDonagh At 07:00:15 PM On 09/12/2008 | - Website - |

13 - My deepest sympathies Devin. I know he fought a long battle, but at least he is now at peace. My thoughts are with you and your family. -John

Posted by John Roling At 08:24:04 PM On 09/12/2008 | - Website - |

14 - He'll live on in your hearts and memories. Make him proud. ---* Bill

Posted by Bill At 09:40:36 PM On 09/12/2008 | - Website - |

15 - He was a very sweet man, I feel very fortunate to have met him. Our love and prayers go out to your entire family.

Posted by Hope At 12:14:57 PM On 09/13/2008 | - Website - |

16 - My love and sympathy for those left behind, my envy and gladness for Tanya's dad at his return to the feet of his father. Now he is young and fit again, sharing his tales with his brothers gone before him. Love ya, am in Texas until Wednesday, flying in Fort Stockton again. Call if you need me. Dan

Posted by Your Brother Dan At 09:28:53 PM On 09/13/2008 | - Website - |

17 - Dev and Tanya... Di and I are truly sorry to hear of Tanya's dad passing. Leonard is quite a character. I'm sure words can't express how much he will be missed. I know that he had to be proud of how Godly the men are that his daughters chose to marry. I hope you will accept our heartfelt condolences for your loss. WE LOVE YOU and still GREATLY miss you in Arizona. Please send RY and Gunnar our love as well. ALWAYS in our prayers... LOVE DRUE and DI

Posted by DRUE At 10:05:43 AM On 09/14/2008 | - Website - |