Milford Leffel Obituary

Milford E. "Hezzie" Leffel, age 92, of Pickerel, died on Thursday, July 24, 2025 at Aspirus Langlade Hospital. He was born on September 28, 1932 in the town of Frankfort in Marathon County, a son of Otto and Bertha (Hoernke) Leffel. He married Geraldine Keueger in 1954, the couple later divorced, she preceded him in death.

Mr. Leffel served in the United States Army having been stationed in Newfoundland during the Korean War. He was a member of the Sparks-Doernenburg American Legion Post 3 and in 2013 he was chosen for the Never Forgotten Honor Flight which was a highlight of his life.

Hezzie moved to Pickerel in 1960 where he raised turkey, chickens and beef in the big barn on DD. Later he owned and operated Leffel Excavating in Pickerel until his retirement in 2011.

Mr. Leffel drove the groomer for the Pickerel Snowmobile Club and he worked in the woods with his good buddy, Nubby. The joys in his life were his grandchildren especially his Little Buddy Bravin, always trying to teach him something new. Mr. Leffel also enjoyed Christmas in July with all the family.

Survivors include his life partner, Mary Ann Krueger of Pickerel; a daughter, Penny (Robert) Aderholdt of Pearson; four grandchildren, Jeremy (Tracy) Jansen of Pearson, Kerrie (Rick) Groat of Pearson, Angi (Brian) Burow of Pickerel, and Justin (Beth) Gravitter of Antigo; nine great-grandchildren, Cody (Shannon) Jansen, Brandon (Barbie) Jansen, Nicole Jansen, Tyler (Ashley) Groat, Alexxis (Ben) Rustick, Emily Gravitter (Robby Resch), Erika Gravitter (Race Gunderson), Bravin Burow, and Azeria Burow; seven great great-grandchildren, Audrey and Marcus Jansen, Reid and Violet Groat, Carson, Ruby and Veronica Resch, and Rosalina Rustick; two sisters, Bernadine Martin of Unity and Irene Burkart of Wausau; and a brother, Vernon (Pat) Leffel of Eau Claire.

In addition to his parents, Hezzie was preceded in death by a great-grandson, Tanner Groat; a sister, Marcella (Roger) Schwantes; three brothers, Leo (Joanie) Leffel, Melvin (Pat) Leffel, and Elroy (Doris) Leffel; and two brothers-in-law, Norbert Martin and Edward Burkart.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, August 3 at 11 a.m. at Bradley Funeral Home with Roxie Kenitzer, SAM officiating.

Military Honors will be held at the funeral home following the service.

Visitation will be Sunday, August 3 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the funeral home.