Leonard L. Simkowski, 93, died at his home Thursday, Aug. 3, 2017.

He was born July 9, 1924, in the town of Linwood, the son of John and Margaret (Schmanski) Simkowski.

He grew up on a farm in the area and attended Woodville School.

He was married to Shirley Higgins Aug. 30, 1945, and would have celebrated 72 years of marriage this month.

On June 23, 1945, he entered into military service in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II. He received the World War II Victory Medal and was honorably discharged on Aug. 4, 1946.

Mr. Simkowski and his wife farmed in Mill Creek in the town of Carson for several years and then purchased their current farm in the town of Linwood in 1954. They operated the farm and also contracted school buses.

They owned and operated Simkowski Bus Lines for more than 40 years, serving the Stevens Point Public and Catholic Schools. He also served on the town of Linwood Board as treasurer for 59 years.

Mr. Simkowski enjoyed spending time with family and friends, polka music, riding in his Kubota, hunting and gardening. His farm work and animals were his pride and joy. He especially loved horses, cattle and his long-time companion, Bailey, his dog, who was always at his side.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley; five children, Donald (Cindy) Simkowski, Loveland, Colo., Jerome (Gladys) Simkowski, Junction City, Tom Simkowski, Kodiak, Ark., and Denise (Clair) Hulce and Dennis (Marg) Simkowski, both of Stevens Point; 13 grandchildren, Sidney(Carolyn) Simkowski, Jeremy (Connie) Simkowski, Tami (Curt) Carstensen, Sam Simkowski, Lisa (Larry) Adams, Nicole (Jason) Deppe, Jacob (Jamie) Simkowski, Raffe Hulce (Ashley Arbagosh), Dacia (Jake) Fletcher, Mackenzie (Shaun) Karaliunas, Karlee Simkowski, Jerney Simkowski and Delaynie Simkowski; 22 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Ernie Simkowski.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant sister; four brothers, Harry, Theodore, Stanley and Chester; and one great-grandson, Ezra Simkowski.

A prayer service will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2017, at Pisarski Funeral Home Stevens Point. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 7, 2017, and again at 10 a.m. Tuesday until the time of the prayer service. Burial with full military honors will follow at the Linwood Union Cemetery.

Pisarski Funeral Homes are honored to be serving the family. For online condolences, visit www.pisarskifuneralhome.com.

The family would like to thank family and friends who visited and gave support, the guidance of Ministry Home Care Services, and Ken and Karen Seehafer, Marshfield, who provided a special horse drawn wagon ride in Mr. Simkowski’s honor.