Calvin W. Leonhardt, 79, of Sparta, died Thursday, March 2, 2006 at his home. He was born on May 13, 1926 in West Salem, WI to Adolf H. and Marie (Nordhaus) Leonhardt. He grew up in the Sparta area and served as a US Merchant Marine during WWII. He worked for J.I. Case Int. for over 20 years and lived in Kenosha for 30 years. He moved back to Sparta in 1985 after retiring.

     He married Jo Ann Granger in Kenosha. To this union five children were born. They were later divorced. Calvin was a lifelong member of the American Legion Post 100 and VFW Post 2112 both of Sparta. He enjoyed restoring vintage cars, playing pool, and telling jokes.

     He is survived by his children, Rae Ellen Rankin of Michigan City, IN, Jon (Amy) Leonhardt of Sparta, Joni Szczotka of Costa Mesa, CA, Jay Leonhardt of Sparta, and Donald Leonhardt of Sparta; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; a sister, Violet Whernberg of La Crosse; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

     He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Jacklyn; and his brothers and sisters, Adeline, Wendell, Beatrice, Irene, Mildred, and Donald.

     Memorial services will be Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta, with Reverend Richard Abernathy officiating. Burial with full military honors provided by VFW Post 2112 and American Legion Post 100 will be in Leon Cemetery, Sparta.

     Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 9 a.m. until time of services.