Leonard Norman Sakkinen

Leonard N. Sakkinen, 83, passed away peacefully at Ridgewood Care Center on Friday, October 24, 2008, with his family at his side. He was born in Kearsarge, MI on July 13, 1925. the son of the late Matthew and Emma (nee: Junttunen) Sakkinen. He served his country with the U.S. Army in both WWII and the Korean Conflict. On April 23, 1955, in Germany, he was united in marriage to his wife Anne. Mr. Sakkinen had been employed by Bucyrus Erie for over 32 years until he retired. He enjoyed fishing, reading and doing crossword puzzles. Surviving are his wife of 53 years, Anne; their children, Gary Sakkinen of Racine, Karen (Allen) Kroll of Franksville, Peggy (Frank) Prince of Racine; grandchildren, Trudy Hawks of Roanoke, VA, Eric (Kristen) Schatzman of Kenosha, Ben (Melinda) Kroll, Ryan (Kristie) Kroll all of Franklin; WI, 5 great grandchildren, Samuel, Chloe, Brooke, Christopher, and Cody, and brother Elmer (Barbara) Sakkinen of Rockford, IL. His nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends further survive him. In addition to his parents 4 brothers and a sister preceded him in death. Private services were held in the chapel of the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Cemetery, with Rev. Kara Baylor officiating. The family would like to publicly thank both the nursing and therapy staff of Ridgewood Care Center for the compassion and care shown to Leonard and his family.