Michael John Leonard, 81, of New Haven, Indiana, died Sunday, October 15, 2023, at Parkview Randallia Hospital, Fort Wayne.

He was born November 1, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois, to Leo and Marie (Krier) Leonard, one of 14 children.

On December 5, 1959, he married Judith Ray. She preceded him in death in 1998.

Mr. Leonard moved to New Haven 18 years ago, coming from the south side of Chicago.

He worked at Marvel Metal and Phillip Cabinet Company, both in Chicago, and retired as plant manager and cabinet maker.

Mike was an avid NASCAR follower and collector. He enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and Sudoku. His family said he was very intelligent and learned from reading the encyclopedia. Being from Chicago, he was a diehard fan of the Chicago Bears and the Chicago Cubs. His family will remember him as being a fanatic of scratch-off tickets. But, most importantly, his family is rejoicing as he accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior before his passing.

Surviving are two daughters, Theresa (Terry) Tuttle of Wolcottville and Helen (Steven) Kuffer of Albion; a son, Michael John (Angela Venzke) Leonard, Jr. of Butler; nine grandchildren, Michael Cohen, Abby Smith, Steven Max Kuffer, Jr. Judi Kuffer, Christopher Sup, JJ Sup, Zachary Leonard, Alyssa Link, and Alexandra Giard; and 11 great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life service is being planned for a later date.

Young Family Funeral Home, Wolcottville Chapel, State Road 9 North, Wolcottville is assisting the family.

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