Leonard G. Britton

April 19, 1930 - April 12, 2015

Leonard G. Britton, age 84, of Menomonie, WI passed away Sunday, April 12, 2015 at his home. He was born April 19, 1930 in Spring Lake Township, Pierce County, WI to Fred C. and Clara A. (Moll) Britton. He was raised on the home farm while attending Reed Elementary and Elmwood High School, graduating in 1948. Leonard served in the U.S. Army from Feb. 1953 to Feb. 1955. On June 27, 1952 he and Mildred “Babe” Hinzman were married at Peace Lutheran Church in Menomonie. Babe passed away in Sept. 1983. They were blessed with one daughter, Roxanne Renae. After the military, Leonard enrolled in Dunn County Teachers’ College, where he received his first teaching license. He furthered his education by attending summer school and night classes at U.W. Eau Claire, U.W. Stout, and U.W. Superior, receiving his bachelors’ degree in 1968 and continued his education for a license to teach the developmentally challenged. Leonard received many scholarships and was honored with a National Excellence in Teaching award for his work with the developmentally challenged. Leonard taught at Little Elk Creek and Cedar Falls. While at Cedar Falls the area schools consolidated with Menomonie. Leonard continued teaching in Menomonie, retiring in 1989. Leonard, while pursuing his teaching career, was a C.N.A. working at Dunn County Health Care Center for 15 years, Elmwood Nursing Home for two years and Red Cedar Medical Center, Mayo Health System for 24 years. Leonard and Babe were “family” to 26 foster/disturbed/homeless persons. Leonard was honored by being chosen as best man for a foster sons’ wedding. He also was an attendant for a former students wedding and best man for another student. On Dec. 27, 1986 Leonard and Darlene Gretschmann were married at Peace Lutheran Church in Menomonie attended by their children and grandchildren. Friends and relatives numbering 400 plus were in attendance. Leonard is survived by his wife Darlene; a daughter Roxanne (Jim) Kelly of Roseburg, OR; a step-daughter Debra (Douglas) Berends of Medford; a step-son Steven (Amy) Gretschmann of Glenwood City; five step-grandchildren, Jill (Marcus) Germain, Katie (Jason) Evans, Betsy Berends, Jake Gretschmann (fiancée Rita) and Josh Gretschmann; four step-great-grandchildren. Also foster families and many foster grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife, “Babe”; his parents and brother, Wayne. No local services are being held. Services with military honors will be held at 12:00 (noon) on Friday, April 17, 2015 at Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner, WI with Pastor Kristine Stedje officiating. Leonard requested no flowers. Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie is serving the family.