Leon Naef

Leon Gerald Naef, 83, of Woodville, WI died Friday, December 7, 2012 at Mayo Clinic Health System – Eau Claire Hospital. He was born on July 11, 1929, near Wausau, WI, to Otto Emil and Anna (Kaatz) Naef.
On January 31, 1951, he married Ellyn Huisman. They farmed briefly before moving to Lodi, CA in 1953 and establishing a masonry construction firm. Leon patented one of the first cement grout pumps in the industry. In April 1968, Leon and Ellyn were introduced to Shaklee, which provided the foundation for a successful business with benefits that have continued to the present.

Leon will be remembered for his deep love for God, family, and friends; as well as his rich sense of humor and captivating stories.

Survivors include his wife; one daughter, Lila (Ken) Schwartz of Woodville, WI; two sons, Gerald (Anji) Naef of Orange, Australia, and Rodney (Kathryn) Naef of West Palm Beach, FL; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; four sisters, Dorothy Jeske of Appleton, WI, Sylvia Kelbert of Neenah, WI, Eline (Harold) Forsberg, Hardwick, MN, and Adele Naef of Neenah, WI; and one brother, Donald (Ruth) Naef of Wausau, WI.

Leon was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers (Harold and Raymond), and three sisters (baby Edna, Evelyn Nueske, and Leona Nueske).

Visitation will take place 5:00 – 8:00 PM Friday, December 14, 2012 at O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 1010 Newton St., Baldwin and one hour prior to the service Saturday. Funeral Services will take place 11:00 AM Saturday, December 15, 2012 at Prairie Farm Schools, 630 South River Ave., Prairie Farm, WI. Interment Glenwood Cemetery in Dallas, WI. Funeral Services are entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin (715) 684-3434.

For more information on Leon’s story, go to his caring bridge website.