Leo M. Stephany

Leo Michael Stephany passed away peacefully on February 25, 2022 at Edenbrook of Fond du Lac with his loving family by his side.

Leo was born on March 5, 1935, in Fond du Lac, a son of the late Elmer and Gertrude Stephany.

Leo was a 1953 graduate of North Fond du Lac High School. On July 27, 1955, Leo married Ruth Albrecht at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, MS. During Leo’s service in the Air Force, Leo and Ruth lived in Pensacola, FL, and were apart briefly as the military sent him to Japan. After leaving the Air Force, Leo worked at the Petuxent River Naval Air Station in Lexington Park, MD, operating his own electric shop. After the birth of their first daughter, Jean, they moved back to Fond du Lac where Leo began his career at Giddings & Lewis. Leo traveled all over the country to Japan, China, and Europe as a service man and trainer. He retired from Giddings & Lewis in 1999. Leo owned his photography business, shooting hundreds of weddings and portraits over the years. He was an avid wine maker and ultimately made his own Grand Marnier. He loved aur shows, swimming, spending time with dear family and friends, taking roads trips, fixing things, listening to records, telling jokes, and reading comics just to name a few.

Leo was a member of Holy Family Parish, serving on the maintenance committee and dispensed communion at services and funerals. He was a member of the Oldsters Club and also a member of the Knights of Columbus, where he also served as a photographer for the elders.

Survivors include his two daughters, Jean (Thomas) Kohn and Mary Archbold and former son-in-law Timothy Archbold, all of Appleton; four granddaughters, Kristin (Tim) Vanden Boom, Jennifer Kohn, Jacqueline and Elizabeth Archbold; three great-grandchildren, Frankie, Evie and Rocky Vanden Boom; two brothers, Jack Stephany of Fond du Lac and Karl Stephany of Eugene Oregon; two sisters, Margaret (Peter) Meyer of North Fond du Lac and Sharon Schenk of Phoenix, AZ; brother-in-law, Richard (Shirley) Patin of Markesan; and sister-in-law, Arlene Albrecht. Leo is furthered survived by numerous close nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind special friends Lori Sonnenberg, the best neighbors including Sandy, Gary, Carol, Kathy, and Don, and many wonderful friends including Clyde and Bernie.

Leo was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth; sisters, Andrea Patin and Barbara Stephany; sister-in-law, Ilene Stephany; brother-in-law, Robert Albrecht; and his parents.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 3, 2022 at 10:00 A.M. until 11:45 A.M. at Holy Family Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12:00 P.M. Entombment will take place at the Chapel of the Risen Christ, Calvary Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name may be directed to Moments Hospice or Holy Family Parish.

The family extends their thanks to all the Edenbrook and Moments Hospice staff, especially Jenny and Rich; for their excellent care, compassion, dedication, and kindness.

Leo was such a kind and compassionate soul who lived a beautiful, creative life. His outlook, sense of humor, and beautiful spirit will be dearly missed.