Leo E. Dondlinger Sr., age 92, a Manitowoc resident, passed away Monday, June 3, 2024 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
He was born October 4, 1931 in Manitowoc, WI, son of the late Nick and Anna (Schoo) Dondlinger. Leo attended Lincoln High School, Manitowoc. Following high school, he served in the United States Army. On March 3, 1955 he married Geraldine Welch at St. Casimir Catholic Church, Newton. She preceded him in death on April 21, 1999. Leo was employed at the Manitowoc shipyards, retiring at 55 as a foreman. He then retired to Mosinee, WI where he was employed with the Mosinee School System for 13 years. Leo was a skilled tinkerer and craftsman. He loved helping family and friends with projects and was a talented carpenter.
Leo is survived by three sons: Leo (Gail) Dondlinger Jr., Auburn, Washington, and John (Sue) Dondlinger and Joseph (Judy) Dondlinger, all of Manitowoc; seven daughters: Therese (Thomas) Denk, Hawkins, WI, Laura (John) Steeber, Manitowoc, Linda (Michael) Linsmeier, Whitelaw, June (Bob) Sedgi, Chicago, Mary Dondlinger, Valders, Geraldine (Jeff) Kretchman, Sheboygan, and Evelyn (Amber) Roy, Georgia; 22 grandsons, 12 granddaughters, 21 great-grandsons, 11 great-granddaughters; and five great-great-granddaughters. Nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends also survive. He was preceded in death by his siblings; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; granddaughter: Alicia Block; grandson: Jerry Roy; as well as other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon on Thursday, June 6, 2024 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 8100 Brunner Road, Newton, WI. Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be the Rev. David Pleier. Cremation will follow the Mass and Leo’s cremated remains will be laid to rest in Mosinee at a later date.
The family will greet relatives and friends from 10:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. on Thursday, June 6, 2024 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, Newton, WI.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Leo’s name to St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Community, 8100 Brunner Road, Newton, WI 53063 or plant a tree in memory of Leo.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, Manitowoc, is assisting the Dondlinger family with funeral arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Aurora at Home Hospice Care for the care and compassion shown to Leo and his family.
