Leo Clarence Wiedenfeld

Leo Clarence Wiedenfeld, 86, of Crystal Lake, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2026.

Leo was born on February 18, 1940, at his family home in Lake Mills, Wisconsin, to Sylvester and Adelaide (Mueller) Wiedenfeld. He was the youngest of seven children and graduated from Lake Mills High School, where his lifelong love of music was already taking shape.

As a young man, Leo played bass in a rock and roll band that performed at local gymnasiums and dances throughout the area. It was at one of those dances in 1959 that he met the love of his life, Judy Steinke. They were married on August 25, 1962, beginning a beautiful marriage that spanned nearly 64 years.

Music was woven throughout Leo's life. He played trombone during high school and in the University of Wisconsin Marching Band, including a memorable Rose Bowl appearance. Over the years he mastered an impressive collection of instruments, including bass guitar, accordion, trombone, tuba, cello, and, after falling in love with the islands while living in Hawaii, even the ukulele.

After marrying Judy, Leo transferred to the University of Illinois Flight School to complete his flight ratings, launching a remarkable career in aviation. He worked as a flight instructor, and studied airplane mechanics, before joining United Airlines in 1964. Flying became more than a career. It was his passion. He spent his entire professional career with United, retiring at age 60 after decades of safely carrying passengers around the world.

Leo's love of flying extended well beyond the cockpit of a commercial airliner. He owned several small airplanes over the years and delighted in aerobatic flying. Judy often laughed about the day she looked up from working in the yard, noticed an airplane performing incredible aerobatics overhead, admired the pilot's skill, and then suddenly realized, "Wait... that's Leo!"

United Airlines took Leo and Judy on many adventures throughout the US, the Orient and Europe. Throughout his career, he flew out of Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Hawaii, and Chicago. Their love of travel continued well into retirement, and for 33 consecutive years they returned to the same special place in Cabo San Lucas, making their final trip there this past February.

Leo embraced life with enthusiasm. Whether he was water skiing, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, sailing, or taking to the skies, he was always ready for his next adventure. As the years passed, he enjoyed "putzing" around the house, always finding projects to keep his hands and mind busy.

Above all else, Leo was devoted to his family. He was a loving husband, a supportive father, and a grandfather who treasured every moment with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was known for his caring heart, strong work ethic, generous spirit, wonderful sense of humor, and ability to make friends wherever he went. A gifted writer, Leo also expressed himself through poetry and even wrote his own autobiography, preserving his stories for generations to come.

His Catholic faith remained an important foundation throughout his life. Even after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease eight years ago, Leo continued to live with courage, gratitude, and determination, making the most of every day and inspiring those around him with his positive outlook.

Leo is survived by his beloved wife, Judy; his children, Wendy (Dave) Nosal, Jill (Ed) Guidone, and Paul (Christine) Wiedenfeld; 22 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Visitation will be held on Monday, August 10, from 10:00 a.m. until prayers at 12:45 p.m. at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake. A funeral procession will follow to St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 451 W. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake, where a Mass will be celebrated at 1:30 p.m.

Inurnment will take place on Tuesday, August 11, at 11:00 a.m. at Windridge Memorial Park. Father Robert Jones will officiate over both days.