Search by Name

Search by Name

Brian Leonhardt Obituary

Leonhardt, Sergeant Brian 21, of Merrillville, died in Afghanistan on Friday, January 6, 2012, while serving our country. He was a member of the 713th Engineer Company of the Indiana National Guard. He was born on March 6, 1990, the sixth of eight children. Brian graduated from Hammond Baptist High School, where he was a standout basketball player, in May 2008. Brian is survived by his wife, Dianne, of Schererville; his parents, Robert Leonhardt, Jr., of LOFS and Marie Leonhardt of Merrillville; 2 sisters, Theresa (Keith) Stoneback of Crown Point and Jackie of Merrillville; 5 brothers, Chuck (Christy) of Knox, Randy and Robert III of Crown Point, A.J., of Plymouth, and Trevor, of Merrillville; 7 nieces and nephews; grandparents; and a huge host of aunts, uncles, and cousins. Brian followed in the footsteps of his older brothers and enlisted in the U.S. Army in November 2007. He was deployed in November 2011 to Afghanistan where he served as a Combat Engineer. Brian loved life, especially spending time in Chicago, playing basketball, entertaining his nieces and nephews, and playing "Battlefield" on his PS3. His fondness for Oakley sunglasses, nice shoes, neon green, and Mountain Dew is legendary among his family and friends. A memorial service for Brian will be held on Wednesday, January 18, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. in the main auditorium of First Baptist Church of Hammond, 473 Sibley Street, Hammond, IN, 46320, with Pastor Jack Schaap officiating. Visitation with the family will be held Tuesday, January 17, 2012, from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Memory Lane Memorial Park and Funeral Chapel, 6305 W. Lincoln Hwy., Crown Point, IN, 46307. Burial will be in the Veteran's section of Memory Lane Memorial Park.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Post-Tribune on Jan. 15, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Brian Leonhardt

Not sure what to say?





Lawrence Noel Noel

October 6, 2018

He was a hero who touches my mind and heart when I think of him.I have cried many times for him.,because it hurts my heart t that he was so young to have met an early death.at 21 yrs.He is forever in my mind heart and prayers.

Darius Olsen

April 19, 2016

I am saddened to hear of Sgt. Leonhardt's and Sgt's mother's passing. I am however grateful for your sacrifice Sgt. I have studied your story for almost a year along with a local guardsmen and that motivated me to make the decision to enlist as a 11B this July. I wish to do this for two reasons, 1: to honor and memorize your sacrifice 2: To honor this country. I have no words to express my condolences to the family of both Sgt. Leonhardt and Marie Leonhardt. Although it has been around 5 years since your sacrifice I can not get you out of my mind. I did not know you but wish I could have. I want you to know your sacrifice did not go unnoticed and have paved a future for many people such as me. Again words cannot express my condolences to the family.
( [email protected] )

Future 11B (CO. A/B Norsemen) Hooah

Bernd

February 26, 2015

Liebe Familie Leonhardt,

niemand kann den Schmerz beschreiben,
Kein Wort kann Ihnen das wiederbringen,
das sie so geliebt haben.
Das einzige das bleibt sind die Erinnerungen
und der Platz in Ihren Herzen.

Meine aufrichtige Anteilnahme und das Gott
Ihnen die Strke schenkt, die man in solch schweren Zeiten braucht.

Bernd, Germany

Bernd Arnemann

February 25, 2015

Sehr geehrte Familie Leonhardt,

auch wenn ich Brian persnlich nicht kannte, mchte ich Ihnen mit diesen Worten meine aufrichtige Anteilnahme aussprechen. Auf Youtube habe ich den Erinnerungsfilm "Heaven was needing a Hero" gesehen und es hat mir das Herz gebrochen.
Es tut weh zu sehen, das ein junger Mensch viel zu frh diese Welt verlassen musste, die doch noch soviel fr Ihn zu bieten hatte.
In ihren Erinnerungen wird er immer weiterleben.

Ich wnsche Ihnen von Herzen alles Gute

deanna sanchez

December 2, 2013

to brian leohardts family i am so sorry for your lost i never knew who he was but then when i heard he had passed away then i knew somewhat of who he was i am really sorry for your lost if you ever need anything i am always here for you here is my email if you wanna talk [email protected] i hope to hear from you

Charlie Gili

April 29, 2013

Hello,
We would like to express our deepest condolences and also let the Leonhardt Family know that we recently sent Care Packages to American troops in the war zones. Each box carried a dedication sheet that includes the name, service information and a photo of your loved one. We recognize that this is a humble tribute, but we wanted you to know that it is heartfelt and made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals in the youth hockey community and beyond. We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of the US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign

Peggy Childers

January 6, 2013

To the family of Spc. Brian J. Leonhardt:
Brian gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."

Lynne Neibert

March 7, 2012

Prayer Shawls 4 Fallen Soldiers ([email protected]) is an organization with groups throughout the country who strive to send handmade prayer shawls and/ or lap robes to families who have lost a loved one in service to our country. Members of Trindle Spring Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, PA would like to honor your son and husband's sacrifice and memory by sending our prayers and comfort through a shawl which we will mail to you. If you are interested, please contact me at [email protected] with the names and addresses and what they would like to receive. We will send them as soon as possible. Also, if you know of any other families who are grieving the loss of a loved one who died serving our country, please pass along my e-mail address, as our organization can no longer get family contacts through the military. May God bless you and comfort you in the days ahead. Sincerely, Lynne

S MacDaniel

February 12, 2012

I know there are no words to say at this time, except how sorry that I am. I truly feel your loss and pain. My thoughts and prayers are with you always. Brian will never be forgotten.

For you every single soldier
Those who served so honorable
Your life was forever altered
While I'm home safe and free
I stand with grateful admiration
I stand respectful and so proud
I know I'm only a civilian
And I don't even know if it's allowed

But I salute you; allow me the honor
to salute you with permission let me say
Even though I hold no rank know that from my heart
My humble gratitude comes from the deepest part.
I salute you.

For those missing in action;
for those who didn't make it home.
I know you're in God's presence you are not alone.
For every neatly folded flag;
for every shattered family
I will do the only thing I know to dignify your memory.

I salute you, allow me the honor
to salute you with permission let me say
even though I hold no rank know that from my heart
my humble gratitude comes from the deepest part.

I salute you .

I Salute You.

Suzanne MacDaniel - A Proud Aunt

SGT. David M. Fisher
KIA 12/1/04 - Iraq

January 29, 2012

To the family of SPC. Brian J. Leonhardt:

We have recently learned of Brian's death and felt very moved by his act of bravery. My 5 year old son Noah, would like to tell you that he is sorry that hhe died. My 7 year old son,Max, wanted very much to tell you that your son Brian is very brave and that he thanks him for fighting for our freedom.
We are sending you our prayers
The spinner family

Gary Allain

January 27, 2012

SPC. BRIAN J. LEONHARDT
You are my Hero may god keep you in his arms forever.

Debi Heavner

January 19, 2012

Our deepest sympathy to you in this time of great loss. We appreciate the sacrifice that your son and his family have made. Brian is a true hero and we thank him for his brave service to our country and our lives. As a mother, I can only imagine the pain of losing your precious son. May God bless and comfort all the family of this wonderful young man.

E. D.

January 19, 2012

Deepest condolences to Sergeant Brian Leonhardt's wife and entire family. May he soar with the Angels and keep watch over you from Heaven. I pray you find peace and comfort knowing God has taken him into his loving arms.

Bush Family

January 19, 2012

From one family to another,

The Broken Chain

We little knew that day,
God was going to call your name.
In life we loved you dearly,
In death, we do the same.

It broke our hearts to lose you.
You did not go alone.
For part of us went with you,
The day God called you home.

You left us beautiful memories,
Your love is still our guide.
And although we cannot see you,
You are always at our side.

Our family chain is broken,
And nothing seems the same,
But as God calls us one by one,
The chain will link again.

Praying continuously for all of you...May you know and feel the peace that passes all understanding from God our Heavenly Father.

(Douglas H. Bush
April 1989 - May 2010)

Elizabeth Esteras and family

January 17, 2012

Rest in paradise soldier!! My deepest condolence to the Leonhardt family. My family has friends over there and it saddens us all when one of our soldiers pay the ultimate sacrifice fighting for us!! With much respect we send this condolence.

Gail Dodson

January 17, 2012

To the Leonhardt Family......so hard to find words of comfort...just know God is holding all of you. My son served in Afghanistan in 2006...so, we are all family. Thank you for raising a hero and sharing him with our country. God Bless

Shirley Barclay

January 17, 2012

You don't know me, but I listen to the radio station 105.5 all the time and I heard a Diane ask them to play a song for Spc, Leonhardt by Carrie Underwood. It broke my heart for you.

January 17, 2012

R.I.P. Brian. You are a hero and thank you for serving our country. Your life was so short. God bless you for sacrificing your life for our freedom

To the family of Brian, my deepest sympathy. May God bless each and everyone during this difficult time.

Steve/Carol Huckins

January 17, 2012

How can you comfort parents and family who have lost a child? You can be comforted by knowing you will see him again in Heaven! And what a reunion that will be! What a brave young man Brian was to fight for our country, we are so proud of his courage and bravery. God bless you, we love you!

January 17, 2012

Dearest Marie and family,
Our heartfelt condolances to you and all of your loved ones. It's so hard to find the right words, but know that you and all of your family are in our prayers.
Joe and Vickie Alfono (from the Cracker Barrel)

Mona Eason

January 16, 2012

Dear Leonhardt Family,
Thank you all for the great sacrifice you all gave in Sgt. Brian Leonhardt who wholeheartedly gave his life for our freedom. We will never forget you Brian!!! Heaven gets sweeter all the time. We will see you again our friend and hero!!

Love, Kevin, Mona, Amber, Kevin Michael, and David Eason

January 16, 2012

Thank You for your service. We didn't know you that well, but you came into our family.
We are praying for you and Dianne, who we care for very much.

Jerry,Annette, Don and Adam Poole.

Bruce Campbell

January 16, 2012

Heaven is much sweeter now! Brian, thank you for your willingness to put on our Nation's uniform. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten. We will miss you dearly!
To the Leonhardt family, my deepest sympathy and sincere condolences go out to each and everyone of you in this time of loss. May the Holy Ghost of God comfort and strengthen you in the upcoming days. My family and I send you our love and we are here for you. God Bless all of you!

Barbara Wright

January 16, 2012

Thank you for your service, You were an amazing young man. You are a true hero.

Shelley Kuiper

January 16, 2012

Thank you for your Service and for being a True Hero!! My deepest sympathy goes to your family and friends. May you rest in peace and watch over your family and friends and keep them safe and out of harms way!!!

January 16, 2012

To the entire Leonhardt family, God bless you. Your son is a hero!

Charles Roos Sr.

January 15, 2012

Thank you for your service and my GOD bless your family.

Peggy Snelson

January 15, 2012

Thank you for your ultimate gift to our country. May God bless you and be with your family during this time of sorrow.

Amy & Jose Sanchez

January 15, 2012

You were an amazing man Brian and you will be missed greatly!!! Thank you for being a hero and protecting our country!!

Janice

January 15, 2012

you are a hero

matt robison

January 15, 2012

Thank you. You are a Hero

Ann

January 15, 2012

My heart felt Condolences to the family. Thank you, Sergeant Brian Leonhardt for the ultimate sarcfice for protecting my freedom and way of life. You are my hero.

January 15, 2012

As a Mom of twin daughters serving in the US Navy and USMC, please accept my heartfeld condolences.

Susan H.

January 15, 2012

My sincere condolences to the family of this young man. He is truly a hero. RIP dear young soldier and I wish to thank you from the depths of my heart for giving your all to protect our American freedom and way of life.

Felicita Ricard

January 15, 2012

Thank you. You are a Hero

Suzanne Zimmerman, LPN

January 15, 2012

You went to heaven a true hero, brave and true. Thank you for your service to this country. I know that you're at peace now with God at your side. My son Ben was one of your battle buddies in Afghanistan. My heart goes out to your family.

Tiffany H.

January 15, 2012

Thank for you service, Srgt. Leonhardt. You paid the ultimate price in defending my freedoms, for which I am grateful. I do not know you personally, but I pray for your friends and family. May they find peace in their hearts through their faith. God bless you & God bless America.

Sabrina Strong

January 14, 2012

Rest in Paradise Brian J. Leonhardt
You will always remain in my heart as an awesome cousin and a hero. I am so proud to call you family and words can not express how much you are loved and how much you will be missed!
*Hugs*
Sabrina, Steven, Kayla and Vivian

Sylvia Kronenwetter

January 13, 2012

Please accept my deepest sympathy
for the loss of your loved one and
Hero Brian, and my sincerest
gratitude for his service.
God Bless you Spc. Brian J.
Leonhardt...you will not be forgotten.

A Massachusetts Resident

January 12, 2012

Although I do not know any of you personally, I would like to offer my deepest sympathy to Diane, the entire Leonhardt family, and the ING 713th Engineering Company. Please know that in his shortened life, Spc.Brian J. Leonhardt was a great man and countless appreciate his service and that of your family.

January 11, 2012

Your fellow comrade who went be you are there at the Pearly Gates of Heaven to suide you to our Heavenly Father. May the Lord hold you in the palms of His hands. Thank you for the ultimate sacricfes for my freedom.Say hi to my husband when you see him, his name is Paul.

To Brians Family,
I am so sorry about your loss. It is hard to see them go off to war and wondering arethey going to be OK. I lost my husband 2yrs ago and I know how much it hurts and it still hurt. Prayers, family, and friends, we do need them. Remember all the memories of him and laughter will come in time and we find ourselves smiling when no one is looking.
Thank you for Brian, the sacrifice you have made to our country.God bless you for that sacrifice.
If you ever need to talk, I'm there.

Mrs Linda Andersen
KIA SPC PAUL E ANDERSEN
1 OCTOBER 2009
IRAQ

January 11, 2012

Our family knows the pain and heartache your family is going through. We are so sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

The Kirton Family
Army CPL Brandon Kirton
KIA May 18, 2011 - Afghanistan

Showing 1 - 42 of 42 results

Make a Donation
in Brian Leonhardt's name

Memorial Events
for Brian Leonhardt

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Brian's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Brian Leonhardt's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more