Dennis Leonhardt

1940 - 2024

Dennis Leonhardt

November 22, 1940 - December 28, 2024

Dennis Leonhardt (aka: Big Boss & Pops), age 84, of Lake Delton, Wis., passed away on December 28, 2024, after a long and blessed life.

A Visitation and Celebration of life was held on January 8, 2025, at the River's Edge Pub & Grub on Hwy A.

Born in Medford, Wis., later moving to Milwaukee, where he met Geri (Klamra), his wife and partner. The two taking on an incredible adventure that would land them in Wisconsin Dells. They worked full time in Milwaukee at Allen Bradley while moonlighting on weekends to make a dream-come-true, buying River's Edge Resort and rebuilding it to the multi-generational-run resort, it is today.

Dennis never met a challenge (or a beer) he did not accept. Fresh out of school, working in a bakery, he wooed his would be wife, with fresh baked goods. He served his Country in the Army Reserves before settling down, getting married and starting a family.

He was tough, funny and fair (ask every nephew who'd been threatened to be flushed down the toilet!) He was adventurous; those that joined him on his Bayliner on the Mississippi River, from LaCrosse, Wisconsin to the Florida Keys can attest to that! He was creative, favoring the harder-to-work-with logs (due to their splits, twists and bends) to add the unique touch he was looking for when rebuilding the resort. When he retired, he continued with various woodworking projects, creating gifts that will be cherished by all who were on the receiving end. He dabbled in photography and took rolls and rolls of blue sky pictures until finally a black dot appeared. As he got better, the black dot turned out to be the eagle he'd been 'chasing' and the pictures he captured were frame worthy! There was never a dull moment, he was always looking for the next project to give a try.

The tears that are shed are happy ones. The memories that are told are funny ones! The life he lived was a good one. The void that is felt is immense - Dennis is forever 'out and about'.

Dennis is survived by his daughter, (hey creep) Debbie Polubinsky (Michael); his son, (hey little buddy) Dennis Jr. "Botch" Leonhardt (Dionne); his grandchildren, Jason Preissel, Michael Polubinsky Jr., Andrew Polubinsky, Nicole Kalantzis (Dimitri); great-grandchildren, Parker, Lazarus and Fig; his sister's-in-law, Marilyn (Gil) Gorz and Judi (Ken) Belter and many, many nieces and nephews. He is preceded by his wife of 58 years, Geraldine and his parents and his siblings, Donald (Juanita), Arlene (John), Ed (Kathy).

For Online condolences and information, go to www.pichafuneralhome.com.

Picha Funeral Home- Lake Delton