My dad, Leonard Juncker, age 95, died at his home in Mt. Vernon on December 26th, 2012. His grandson, Wesley Russell, was holding his right hand and I, Reva Russell, his daughter, was holding his left. My husband, Gary, was at the foot of his bed.

Leonard was born April 7th, 1917 in Caborn, Indiana to William and Anna (Spath) Juncker.

He went to school and lived his whole life in Posey County.

He married my mom, Dorothy Menikhiem, on December 25, 1939 at her parent’s house in Solitude during a huge snowstorm. My folks and several of the guests were snowed in for the night. They were married for over 70 years. She died in July, 2010 and we have missed her every day since.

Dad is survived by his granddaughter, Michi (Aaron) Lafary, and great-grandson, Akio Lafary of Austin, Texas. He is also survived by brother, Lloyd (Mildred) and sisters Delta (Ted) Wimpleberg, Burtha (Oscar) Hartman, Viola (Bill) Meredith, and Caroln (Del) Krietenstien.

Dad is from a large family of 12 children: Preceding him in death were his parents, Anna and William, brothers Morris (Clara), Clarence (Nell) and sisters Elnora (Daniel) Schmitz, Edna (Alvin) Kunze, Selma (Irwin) Willman, and Esther (Norman) Wolfe, plus many nieces and nephews.

Early in his life dad worked in the oil business, the flower business (growing and selling dahlias) and farming. In 1951, Leonard, brothers Clarence and Lloyd, and Herb Hunt, started Juncker Brothers Sales and Service,selling Massey Ferguson farm equipment. Dad lived life to its fullest. He loved dogs, fishing, country music, collecting coins and practical jokes. After he retired, he was busier than ever. They bought a home in Florida and were proud to be the ‘snowbirds’, often remarking on the wonder of beautiful weather every day. They invited friends and family members for vacation – to go out on the boat, have a fish fry, then play cards. It was a life both my parents loved.

Visitation is Sunday, December 30th, from 4 – 7 pm at Schneider Funeral Home 512 Main St. in Mt. Vernon and funeral services are Monday, December 31st at 10 am at the funeral Home with burial to follow in Bellefontaine Cemetery.