MONROE/NEW GLARUS - Leon H. Eichelkraut, age 83, passed away on May 4, 2017. He was born July 30, 1933. Leon lived most of his life in New Glarus with his last 13 years in Monroe. He was the son of Julius and Alice (Hefty) Eichelkraut. Leon was baptized and confirmed at the Swiss United Church of Christ in New Glarus and graduated from New Glarus High School in 1951. He farmed with his father for several years before entering the U.S. Army in 1957 and served until his discharge from the Army Reserve in 1963. Leon then farmed in partnership with his brother Herbert for 32 years, retiring in 1993. He then made his home with the Paul and Mary Zimmerman family until moving to Monroe in 2004. Leon volunteered at the Behring Senior Center for over 10 years until he retired in December 2016. He would always come back to the farm on weekends to help with gardening and farm chores.

He is survived by a sister Ruth Zimmerman of New Glarus and nieces and nephews.

Leon was preceded in death by his parents and brother Herbert.

Inurnment of cremains will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at the Swiss Church Cemetery in New Glarus with full military honors.

We would like to thank the doctors and nurses for all their wonderful care. We all know Leon appreciated everything that was done for him. Leon we loved you and we will miss you very much.

The Zentner-Beal Funeral Home of New Glarus is assisting the family. An online memorial with guestbook is available at www.bealfuneralhomes.com.