Gerald Vernon Leonard, 69, better known as Jerry or Jake, passed away July 14th surrounded by his beloved family, at his home in Trimbelle, Wisconsin where he had lived in all but 3 years of his life.

Jerry was born in Red Wing, MN on August 25, 1946 to Donald R. and Emily A. (Marker)Leonard. He graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1964 and spent almost his entire career driving truck. He loved trucking and was thrilled to drive for his son Dan and Spirit Trucking for many years before retiring in 2012. His truck driving friends meant a lot to him and were considered a second family. He stayed connected to them after his retirement by attending many truck shows, where he would display one of his antiques and talk trucks with friends for hours. Jerry also collected antique cars and engines and especially loved his 1924 Model T Ford, which he had purchased in 8th grade. He spent many hours in his shed tinkering with one of his many projects and was always ready to take one of the grandchildren for a ride in one of his antiques.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 38 years, Gail (Duxbury) Leonard, and his children Linette (Gayl) Greske of Ellsworth, Sandra (Jeff) Johnson of River Falls, Dale Leonard of Green Bay, WI, Daniel (Samantha) Leonard, Ellsworth, Scott (Deb) Paape of McCleary, WA and Donnie Paape of Ellsworth. 13 grandchildren; Grant (Amy), Derek and Dylan Greske, Tyler and Austin Johnson, Emily, Ginger, Jacob and Grace Leonard, Brandon, Katie, Breanna and Brady Paape, and 3 great grandchildren; Molly and Rose Greske and Layla Paape. He is also survived by 3 brothers; Allan, Ronald and Michael Leonard. He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother Duane, and brothers Gaylen and Harold Leonard.

Services for Jerry will be at 11:00 am on Tuesday, July 19th at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ. A visitation will be at Hill Funeral Home in Ellsworth from 4-8 on Monday, July 18th and one hour for before the service.

Hill Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Ellsworth, WI is assisting the family with arrangements.