Lowell Leubner

Lowell "Bill" W. Leubner, 86, of Wausau, passed away on Friday, January 11, 2013. He was born to Lloyd and Emma (Kruse) Leubner on September 15, 1926 in Wausau. Bill grew up in the family home on Grand Avenue and lived in this area all of his life. He graduated from Wausau Senior High School. Bill was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1944 and served his country until 1946 during World War II. During that time he was stationed in Japan. When Bill returned home he was trained with assistance from the G.I. Bill to become a carpenter.
Bill met his future wife, the former Carol Frank, in grade school during piano lessons. They were married on September 4, 1948 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Wausau.
After completing his apprenticeship, Bill was employed by The Wergin Co. as a carpenter, where he worked for more than 45 years. As a superintendent and foreman, he worked on many construction projects locally and throughout Wisconsin. Some of the local projects include: Trinity Lutheran School, St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Leigh Yawkey Art Museum, and Wausau Paper corporate offices. He also worked on projects including Winnebago Children's Home in Neillsville, Camp Manito-wish YMCA in Manitowish Waters, and Circus World Museum in Baraboo. In addition, he volunteered his time on the stunt night crew at John Marshall School.
Bill will be remembered most for his heart of gold. He would help anyone with anything, always willing to lend a hand. He was a determined man and his motivation and drive were contagious. He enjoyed model railroading, watching the Great Lakes shipping, airplanes at O'Hare Airport, and construction projects around town.
He found time to enjoy traveling around the country with Carol and other family and friends. They criss-crossed the country by bus and train from coast to coast. Bill and his family enjoyed their time together at the family cottage on Pike Lake.
Recently, Bill was able to take a trip on the Never Forgotten Honor Flight. He thought of this trip as a great honor and it ranked at the top of his many travels.
Bill is survived by his wife of 64 years, Carol; children, Mark (Cynthia) Leubner of Superior, Sallie (Jerry) Kitzrow of Wausau, and Lori (Kevin) Nestrud of Superior; grandchildren, Jeremy (Deb) Leubner, Rebecca Leubner, Jeffrey Nestrud, and Sarah Nestrud; sisters-in-law, Arlet Johnson, Lois (Barney) Bagby, Nancy Hoeppner, Joyce Louthan, and Sandy (Jerry) Ermeling; cousin, Jan Chandler; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Raphael "Bud" Leubner; sister, Juanita and her husband, Edward Hruska; brothers-in-law, Robert Johnson, Roy Hoeppner, and Wilber Louthan; and sister-in-law, Wilma and her husband, James Cherek.
A funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 16, 2013, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Stewart Ave., Wausau, with Rev. Zach Holdorf officiating. Family and friends may call beginning at 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 15, at Helke Funeral Home, Wausau, and again at the church on Wednesday beginning at 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Wausau, with military honors provided by V.F.W. Burns Post #388.
You may sign the family guestbook at www.helke.com.
Memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church, Wausau.
The family would like to thank Dr. Brian Smith and the staff at Mt. View Care Center for the excellent care that Bill received.