Leon D. Huber

(1940-2009)

Member #304

Rock River Thresheree Class of 1996

Jefferson - Leon D. Huber, 68, of Jefferson, passed away on Monday, Jan. 19, 2009, at Fort Memorial Hospital.

He was born Sept. 25, 1940, in Madison, son of the late Jacob and Lucille (Smith) Huber. He married Donna Miller on Dec. 2, 1967, at St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jefferson.

As a young man, Leon "Huey" Huber started working for Stoppenbach, a local meat-processing plant. He dedicated the next 42 years to this company.

In the beginning, Leon started in the "beef kill." He worked his way up through the company until he became a truck driver. Leon was an over-the-road driver for some 15 years. In an attempt to "slow it down a little," he moved away from truck driving but continued working in the plant slicing meat. Time passed and he moved forward yet again, finishing his years in maintenance.

It was during this time that Leon became a Union steward. In an attempt to help, and to look out for many of his friends and co-workers, he fought through many labor negotiations.

Leon also became a board member of the Stoppenbach Credit Union. After retiring in 2005, he continued to hold his position with the credit union.

Although the majority of his years were spent with Stoppenbach, his beginning goes back to Monticello where he worked with his father, Jacob, in a small, family-owned meat market known as Huber Meats.

He then moved to Jefferson where he gained part-time employment with Schroedl's Meat Market. Leon held part-time on-again, off-again employment with Schroedl's all the years he was also at Stoppenbach.

Leon's life wasn't all work. He had many hobbies and participated in many activities.

As a young man, Leon picked up roller-skating and he had all the moves. He skated weekly with a wonderful group of friends, traveling all over from Rockford and Janesville to Watertown.

A very gifted and talented man, Leon took on many challenges. His love for tinkering and building things led to his passion for refurbishing old cars. While doing this, he and a dear friend, Jerry Tetting - looking for a venue to show off their cars - started holding picnics and invited their friends. Many brought their cars as well. Time passed and the group grew into what eventually became the Boondockers Car Club which is still going strong today.

Years later, Leon's passion for cars moved to antique tractors. At this time, he became a member of the Rock River Thresheree. Leon would refurbish these old tractors back to their original state. He enjoyed this new hobby as his grandchildren sat and watched him work. Leon and his handiwork never missed a Gemuetlichkeit Parade with one of his kids or grandkids sitting proudly by his side.

Leon did take time to relax by watching both the Green Bay Packers and NASCAR. The word "relax" is questionable, in that he was a very dedicated fan of both sports. And, well, we all know how we feel when the Pack has a bad day, not to mention Earnhardt or Kenseth not finishing well.

A man of many friends and loving family, no words will ever cover how much and by how many he will be missed. He is forever in our hearts - a dear husband, loving father and grandfather, and true friend. God bless you always.

Leon is survived by his wife, Donna; two daughters, Lisa Roedl of Lake Mills and Teresa (Erick) Huber of Jefferson; one son, Donald (Diana) Huber of Dunedin, Fla.; five grandchildren, Shelli (Derek) Roedl, Jacob Huber, Olivia Shelton, Louis Glenn and Arielle Glenn; one great-grandson, Parker Alan Blomgren; and two sisters, Judy Coplien of Monroe and Janice Adams of Jefferson.

He was preceded in death by one brother-in-law, Jerry Coplien.

A memorial service was held at noon on Fri., Jan. 23, at Schneider-Michael Funeral Home in Jefferson; the Rev. Dr. Kenneth Comstock officiated.

[Source: unknown newspaper, January 2009]