Marian Viola Leonhardt

March 6, 1934 – Oct. 21, 2024

Marian Viola Leonhardt, 90, passed away on the evening of October 21, 2024, with loved ones by her side. She resided at New Horizons Care Center for the past three years. 

Marian was born March 6, 1934, to John and Mary (Meier) Wise in Minatare, Nebraska. She was baptized on April 6, 1934. She was later joined by her younger sisters, Lavonne and Lorraine. Marian spent her childhood on her family’s farm in Minatare, where they raised potatoes, corn, beets and geese. 

She was confirmed at the Salem Congregation Church on April 10, 1949. She graduated from Minatare High School in 1951 and then went to work for Consumers Public Power District. 

During this time, Marian met her future husband through her brother-in-law Don Fertig. Leonard and Marian had their first date in June of 1952 at the drive-in. They were married March 7, 1954, at the Salem Congregation Church. They made their home on Sugar Street in Minatare. While in Minatare they had their first two kids, Glen in 1956 and Cynthia in 1958.

In 1959, Leonard, Marian, Glen and Cynthia moved to Emblem, Wyoming, with her parents, John and Mary. They later moved to Worland, where they welcomed their son Brian in 1961 before finally settling east of Lovell in the late ‘60s. In 1971, Mark joined the family. On their farm, Leonard and Marian raised beets, beans, beef and kids.

In the late 1990s, Marian moved into Lovell. She took pride in running the gift shop at the New Horizons Care Center and enjoyed keeping it stocked and decorated for all seasons. She also kept the snacks and goodies stocked for the staff. Marian treasured bringing any grandchildren along to share her joy in these duties.  

Marian was passionate about her love for the Lord. She not only volunteered at the Care Center but was involved with the Lutheran Church for many years. She was a member of the LWML for 60 years and assisted with Sunday school, midweek classes and Vacation Bible School.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard, daughter Cynthia, sister Lavonne and her parents.

Marian is survived by her sons, Glen (Carla), Brian and Mark (Jennifer), and sister Lorraine Snyder. She had 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. 

Funeral services will be held November 1 at 1 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lovell.