James Leonard

James Steffan Leonard, age 74, of Elcho, passed away December 10, 2025 at his home.

Jim was born on July 19, 1951 in Antigo to the late Gerald and Catherine (Morse) Leonard.

He attended Antigo High School.

Jim was in the building industry and was very handy and mechanically inclined. He was a talented artist, especially as a potter. Theater was of great interest to him and he was active in both the Antigo Community Theatre and Nicolet College productions.

He enjoyed walks through the woods discovering enormous trees left by the early lumbermen.

Jim was truly dedicated to the community in several ways, volunteering at the FAB lab at Antigo High School and umpiring Little League games.

First and foremost, Jim loved his family, his children and his grandchildren. Attending the grandchildren’s events was a joy for him. He was the one that photographed all the special moments.

Jim loved getting to know people in a genuine and caring way.

He will be dearly missed by his children: David Leonard (Shrena Lewis) of Chandler, AZ, Emily (John) Dachel of New Richmond, WI, Jamie (Bruce) Brown of Wichita, KS, grandchildren: Taylor (Kyle) Hurm of Minneapolis, MN, Alex Dachel of New Richmond, WI, Gabby (Alex) Husfloen of Spring Valley, WI, Molly (fiancé Jared McDaniel) and Emma Brown both of Wichita, KS, a brother Dick (Mary) Leonard of Suamico, WI, a sister-in-law Phylis Leonard of Pelican Lake, and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by brothers: Pete, Gerald and John, and sisters-in-law JoAnn Mandy and Caroline Leonard.

A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, January 10 from 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM at Strasser-Roller Funeral Home.