Leo Hardell

Our sweet husband, father, and grandfather, Leo Hardell, age 89, passed away and into the loving arms of Jesus on July 12, 2021. Leo was born on March 18, 1932 to Leo Hardell and Bertha (Voigt) Hardell. He is survived by his loving wife Mary (Kramer) Hardell to whom he was married for 63 years. Leo’s children include Mark (Nicole) Hardell (Athens), Clark (Traci) Hardell (Sandy, UT), and Kathi (Chris) Krueger (Merrill). He is survived by six grandchildren: Ross Hardell (Krystina), Tess Hardell, Jason Hardell, Josie Hardell, Casey Krueger, and Clarissa Krueger. He was proceeded in death by his sisters Adeline (Walter) Schultz, Mildred (Elroy) Pagel, and Laverna (LaVern) Klinger. He also had numerous nieces and nephews.

Leo was born on his family farm in Berlin. He and his family worked the dairy farm until 1990, when it continued to be worked for crops. He also was an employee of Riverview Construction (over a span of 50 years), the Town of Berlin, and Bartelt Enterprises. Leo met the love of his life, Mary, at Schmidt’s Ballroom, which was only a few miles down the road from the family farm.  While attending nursing school at St. Mary’s in Wausau, Mary attended a wedding with a friend, met Leo, and the rest is history. Leo passed away in the same house in which he was born.

Leo loved polka dancing and music, watching the Mollie B Polka Show, playing cards with family and friends, driving the Ranger on the family farm, trips to Hawaii, road trips around the country (visited every state except for Alaska), and Thanksgivings spent in Salt Lake City.

Services for Leo will be held at First English Lutheran Church in Wausau on Monday, July 19. The viewing is from 9:00 – 11:00 and the service will begin at 11:00 with a lunch afterwards. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to First English Lutheran Church, Wausau.  Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements; you may sign our family guestbook at helke.com.