Leonard Nigbor

Leonard John Nigbor age 80, was born into eternal life on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. Leonard was born to Clemens and Cecelia Nigbor on July 8, 1945 in Ripon along with his twin brother Lawrence. He peacefully passed to eternal life after a nine-month courageous battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, surrounded by loving family members. Leonard became united in marriage to Georgene Lehman Young on September 26,1964 at Saint Stanislaus Parish by Georgene’s Uncle, Father Arnold Lehman. He was employed at Berlin Chapman Foundry after graduating from Berlin High School in 1963. He established Pines Corner Dairy in partnership with his wife in 1970. The milk from their herd of Holstein cows was sold to Weyauwega Star Dairy. After four decades of producing milk, he sold the cows and continued to exercise his love and knowledge of animals, caring for and raising a herd of breeding beef cattle, along with his stewardship of his land growing crops. Leonard operated a combine for B&A Aurora Grains, which he enjoyed immensely. He then began driving van routes at Northern Express Bus Service for the Berlin School District in 2019. This occupation gave him tremendous joy and pride in ensuring the safety and care for the students he transported. The children referred to him as Mr. Lenny. Leonard enjoyed playing League Softball in Ripon and Berlin, sponsored by Arnie’s Bar and The Pink Elephant. He played Billiards representing the Country Inn on a Monday night traveling Pool League for many years collecting numerous 8-Ball Run trophies. He always looked forward to going pan fishing with his brother Kenny, catching Bluegills for his annual Friday night before opening day deer rifle season fish fry. Rifle and bow hunting Whitetail Deer was a thrill for him, along with spring turkey hunting. Checking trail cameras was a weekend must activity. He anxiously wanted for the arrival of mushroom harvesting season, significantly the Hen of the Woods, and sharing his bounty with neighbors and family because he would rarely eat them himself. He cherished time spent with his neighbors, especially the comradery of his lifelong friend Dick Sobieski, and weekday visits and banter with his brother in-law Marlon. Sundays were extra special to Leonard for it was a gathering with his children to have cookouts in pleasant weather and crock-pot meals through the winter months, watching the Packers and Brewers. This special day also meant multiple games of cribbage were to be played. Neighbors were always appreciated when they dropped in to visit on these blessed Sundays. Leonard was a member of Saint Stanislaus Parish, followed by All Saints Parish. He was formerly a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 1547. As an avid Red Cross Blood Donor, he gave several gallons up until being diagnosed and needing multiple blood transfusions himself. He is survived by his children, Randy, Debbie, Timothy, and Joshua (Krista); grandchildren, Natalie and special friend Daniel Conley (Timothy), Jacob, and Wyatt (Joshua); Brothers, Lawrence (Sharon), Kenneth (Janice), Harold, and Wayne; sisters, Linda (Doug) Brueggen, Doris (Marlon) Holmes, and Karen Cerny; sister In-law, Francine (David) Marshall; and numerous nephews and nieces and many friends. Leonard was preceded in death by his wife, Georgene; parents; sisters, Lorraine Rhodes, Louise Naczek, and Betty Nigbor; Brother-in-law; James Rhodes; sisters-in-law, Gail (Harold) and Patricia (Wayne); nephews, Shawn Nigbor and Matthew Marshall; and niece, Abbey Boivin (Brueggen). The family has appreciation for Dr. Thomas A Klinkhammer and the supportive Oncology Staff at the Berlin ThedaCare Medical Center, who treated Leonard with wholehearted care. Also, wish to extend a heartfelt gratitude and thanks to all of Leonard’s friends, neighbors, and extended family members who bestowed care and concern. Special nieces Michele, Brooke, and Haley; and special nephew Jeremy for their kindness and love they bestowed toward him. Especially his sister Doris, who always had his back with enormous unconditional loving concern for his wellbeing; Leonard referred to her as “The Boss.” In lieu of flowers, a memorial to ThedaCare Caring Hearts will be established. Family and friends may visit with the family on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, from 5 to 6:45 p.m. at the Wiecki-Skipchak Funeral Home in Berlin. The evening visitation will be followed by a parish rosary at 6:45 p.m. Visitation will also be held on Thursday, December 4, 2025, from 9-11:00 a.m. at All Saints Catholic Parish in Berlin. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow the Thursday visitation at 11:00 a.m. officiated by Monsignor James Gunn. Interment will follow at St. Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery.

Leonard Nigbor

July 8, 1945 - November 19, 2025