Leonard “Ribs” F. Hernkind

Fort Winnebago Township – Leonard “Ribs” F. Hernkind, age 98, passed away at Divine Savior Healthcare with family by his side on Tuesday, March 28, 2017.

Leonard was born on June 15, 1918, in Dalton, WI, the son of Henry and Martha (Schultz) Hernkind. He proudly served his country as a mechanic in the U.S. Army during World War II. He married Josephine “Jo” Fuller on December 22, 1953. He started laying block with Gunderson Construction in 1947, retired in 1980, and a year later, returned to work for Bortz Masonry Inc. until 1994. On September 8, 2012, he accompanied his son, Lance, on the Badger Honor Flight. In his younger years, Leonard and his brothers built and raced boats. He loved watching basketball, particularly the Milwaukee Bucks and also enjoyed farming, gardening, and spending time with his family, including his dogs.  

He is survived by his children, Val Jean Hernkind of Dalton, Lance (Judy) Hernkind and Carol Hernkind, both of Portage; grandchildren, Lance (Danielle) Hernkind, Jr., of Portage, Brooke (Dustin) Georgeson of Portage, Keith Hernkind of Cherryville, NC; great-grandchildren, Gretchen Jo, Kenny and Clara Georgeson, Courtney, Wyatt and Clayton Hernkind; other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Jo; brothers, Lester “Huns” Hernkind and Lloyd “Popeye” Hernkind.  

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 2, 2017, at Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home (www.pmmfh.com) in Portage with Pastor Julie Krahn officiating. Military honors will be provided by the Portage Area Veterans Honor Guard following the service. Inurnment will be private. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 12:00 noon until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Badger Honor Flight Inc., PO Box 258066. Madison, WI 53725.

The family would like to thank the staff at Divine Savior Healthcare for their care and support.