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Leo Ponsar Obituary
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 4, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oelwein with burial immediately following at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Hazleton.
His family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sunday at the Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home in Oelwein, with a Rosary at 6 p.m. and a Scripture Service at 7 p.m.
Leo was born Aug. 10, 1922 to Edward and Bertha (Hitchings) Ponsar in Maynard. He attended Maynard schools and graduated from Hazleton High School in 1939. Leo graduated from Upper Iowa University in 1943 with a B.A. in History and served in the Navy during World War II as a Bomb and Mine Disposal officer in the Pacific. After the war, Leo lived in California and took graduate courses at UCLA. He also attended the University of Copenhagen and the University of Aarhus, Jutland in Denmark. For a time, Leo worked for the Central Intelligence Agency.
Leo then returned to Hazleton to help run the family farm. He earned his teaching degree from Upper Iowa University in 1966. He married Georgine Harrington and they enjoyed many years in Hazleton raising their children, Timothy and Kristine. Leo had a long career teaching Social Studies and Psychology at Independence High School from 1966 until retiring in 1986. He was beloved for his good-natured antics, was the Debate Team coach and chaperoned several student trips to Denmark and Europe. He was a member of the Hazleton American Legion and volunteered for the Hazleton Fire Department. The Ponsars were long-time parishioners of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hazelton where Leo served as a lector. In 2005, Leo moved to Westerville, Ohio to be near his daughter, Kris Doney, and her family. Leo is preceded in death by his parents, son Tim in 1972 and wife Georgine in 2001. He is survived by his daughter Kris and son-in-law Tim, grandsons Evan, Brian, and Justin, cousin Charmaine (Richard) Tichenor, sister-in-law Mary Jane (Keith) Carr and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
Leo was always young at heart and time spent with him was always enjoyed by his family and friends. We will all miss his stories and good nature.
In keeping with Leo's love of reading and his years teaching, donations may be made to any library or school.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Leo Ponsar
John Smith
December 22, 2024
Mr. Ponsar, you were an exceptional, eccentric and most interesting teacher and I thank you for provoking my interest in historical/sociological events in the world. Bravo, Sir! Class of 1970
Bruce Ponsar
October 3, 2010
God Bless you Leo. You were one in a million. Say hi to dad for me?
Sue Fry Wilson
October 3, 2010
As a teacher he impacted many lives. God rest your soul Mr. Ponsar.
Marilyn Gray Timmons
October 2, 2010
Mr. Ponsar was one of those people who you never forget. His intelligence, broad range of interests, knowledge of current affairs and life experiences made each class come alive. Thoughts and prayers are with his family. We are all blessed to have known him.
October 1, 2010
He was a very good teacher. Kept you interested and you actually learned in his classes. I had him for American History as well. Class of 1976
Enjoying sharing his knowledge at Dubuque, IA
Herman Kissel
October 1, 2010
In his classroom
Herman Kissel
October 1, 2010
Hawkeye at heart
Herman Kissel
October 1, 2010
October 1, 2010
Good bye Leo Ponser. Your Style of teaching had a profound impact on the Jefferson High students that were able to experience your intelligence.
Herman Kissel
October 1, 2010
Mr Ponsar was not only a devoted teacher, he was a master! He certainly shaped the person I became, and I'm very honored our lives crossed. Thanks Leo for your contribution to many of us, bringing respect, broadened vision and joy throughout your many "special" classes. You showed how us how much learning could be fun, whilst you required quality. ...I owe you. We won't forget. (Herman Kissel - AFS WP81, Belgium)
September 30, 2010
Anyone who had Mr. Ponsar as a teacher is smiling as they read his obituary. He opened our eyes and our minds. Thank you for the experience!
September 30, 2010
Anyone who had Mr. Ponsar as a teacher is smiling as they read his obituary. He opened our eyes and minds. Thank you for the experience!
September 29, 2010
Mr Ponsar was truly an enigma. There was no other person like him. I had him for several classes in high school and he always kept you on the edge of your seats wondering what he would do or say next. Kids used to cut classes, but his class was never one of them!!! He loved life and lived it to the fullest!! RIP my dear teacher. You were quite a man!!!!
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