Leon M. Ringenberg

Leon M. Ringenberg, 84, of Elkhart, passed away on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at Esther's Hospice House in Elkhart. He was born in Warsaw, Indiana, on March 9, 1941, to the late Max Evard and Evelyn Maxine (Whitehead) Ringenberg.

Leon was preceded in death by his eldest son, Randy (Pat, widow) and sisters Penny Annette and Kathy (Charlie, deceased) Kepple. He is survived by his loving wife, Sandra; sons, Todd of North Carolina, Dan (Liz) of Ohio; sister, Ginger (Roger) Evans of Elkhart; brother, Steve (Jamie) of North Carolina; grandchildren, Carly (Tye), Hannah, Sydney, Olivia; and great-grandson, Max.

Per Leon's wishes, cremation was chosen. Visitation will be held on April 3, at 1 p.m. at Trinity on Jackson Church, 2715 E. Jackson Blvd, Elkhart, IN 46516 with a funeral service to follow at 2 p.m. Pastor Karen Koelsch will be presiding.

Leon will be laid to rest at South Union Cemetery in Nappanee with a private family graveside service to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Elkhart County, 54687 C.R. 19, Bristol, IN 46507.

Leon graduated from Nappanee High School in 1959. He married the love of his life, Sandra Nichols, on Aug. 1, 1959, and they shared 64 years together. Leon started in sales at Atlantis Plastics (formerly Industrial Plastics and then Aeroquip). After 27 years, he finished his career as Sales Manager of Custom Components prior to retiring.

He enjoyed yard work and prided himself on having one of the most notable yards in the neighborhood. Leon was also fond of spending time in his garage, detailing and maintaining his cars; an interest of his since his high school days. His innate mechanical skills also proved worthy of improvements to the home, inside and out.

Leon was an excellent storyteller. For example, he would often entertain listeners by recounting the days of his summers working on a hog farm in North Manchester as a youth or by sharing his fond memories of growing up in a small town during the '50s.

Leon's leisure time included watching sports, Notre Dame football in particular, enjoying the company of his dog and experiencing nature. Leon will be dearly missed.