Leonard Allen "Lenny" Wahlstrom

Leonard Allen "Lenny" Wahlstrom, 71, of Aurora passed away on Saturday, November 15, 2014 at his home on the farm with his loving family by his side. Lenny passed away with complications from a rare disease called PSP (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy), a type of Parkinson. He had been in ill health for the past seven years finally being diagnosed four and a half years ago. Lenny was born in Iron Mountain, MI on September 3, 1943, the fourth child and first son of Leonard and Maureen (Davis) Wahlstrom. Lenny was a graduate of Florence High School in 1961 and was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Madison with an associate degree in Agriculture. Lenny married the former Dawn Newingham on July 17, 1965 at the Aurora Free Church by Pastor Edward Johnson. They celebrated 49 years of marriage this past July. Lenny was a well respected man and farmer. He was a patient, kind spirited and soft spoken man. When asked how he was no matter what the situation was his response was 'WONDERFUL' even up until his death. When asked how he was doing through all of this he would say the Lord is walking by my side. Lenny enjoyed attending his grandchildren's soccer games, past years riding motorcycles and snowmobiling. Farming was his passion. He loved going to Packer games and having his brat & beer twice a year even when at the end he was in his wheelchair. His most favorite food was eating lobster( not a typical diet for a farmer) beef jerky and Oreo cookies. One of his favorite times was motorcycling with his wife out to Bar Harbour, Maine eating lobster on the wharf. Lenny and Dawn also hosted the very first breakfast on the farm in Florence County for five years. This was a thrill of a life time for Lenny. He always enjoyed having people at the farm. While growing up he was in 4-H, served on the Florence County Co-op Board for several years and Homestead Fire Department. Lenny also was in Washington D.C. to lobby for a farm bill in his early twenties. While there General McArthur was laying in state at the rotunda. Lenny was the caretaker of the Homestead-Aurora Cemetery since 1975 retiring upon his illness. Every winter Lenny would work on creative projects. One time he made eye cages for the UW hospital in Madison for eye research where his sister worked. He was always willing to help anybody but had a hard time asking people to help him in return. A very proud man he was. Lenny was a former member of the Aurora Free Church being baptized there. In later years he attended the Homestead Baptist Church. Lenny is survived by his loving wife and caregiver Dawn, dear children Tammy(Terry) Dabb of Aurora, Dean(Paula) of Aurora, David (Kassidy) of St. Louis, and Leonard III (Megan) of Iron Mountain; his precious grandchildren, Hannah, Jesse, Eann, Emma, Chloe, Chelsea, Haley and LaVaya. His mother-in-law Corlinda Newingham of Aurora. Further survived by his three sisters, Carol (Chet) Tokoly of Homestead, Gloria (Sidney) Johnson of Marshfield, Marlene Wahlstrom of Wausau and two brothers Larry (Mary Gail) Wahlstrom of Laconia, New Hampshire and Charles (Pat) Galvan of Homestead. Sister-in-law Diane (John) Aune of Iron Mountain, brother-in-law Dennis Newingham of Aurora Three aunts Betty Kirshner of Powers, Joy Gennera of Cunard and Lena Marulli of Iron Mountain, and his former sister-in-law, Sue Newingham of Aurora. Also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Lenny was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law, Virgil Newingham, brother-in-law, Ruston "Skippy" Brown. Visitation will be at Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014 from 11:00 am to 2:00 p.m. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 pm Saturday at the funeral home. Rev. David Anderson will officiate. Burial will be in the Homestead-Aurora Cemetery. Pallbearers will be his three sons, Dean, David, Leonard III, his son-in-law, Terry Dabb, his brothers, Larry Wahlstrom and Charles Galvan, and family friend, Kris Krause, Honorary pallbearers are Dale Miller, Bob Bock, Mark Newell, Clarence Osterberg, Gary Osterberg, John Pearson, Ken Osterberg and James Koller. The family would like to thank Unity Hospice and Arms of Angels for the wonderful care they gave to Lenny. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Lenny Wahlstrom online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the funeral arrangements.

Leonard Allen "Lenny" Wahlstrom

September 3, 1943 - November 15, 2014