Leo E. Wagenknecht

Leo Efton Wagenknecht, 77 of Rockford passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 17, 2014. He was born on March 22, 1937 the son of Leonard and Ruth Wagenknecht. He married Katie Tharp on April 16, 1960. A veteran of United States Navy and started his first business by installing washers and dryers in the barracks while still enlisted in the Navy. He grew into a very intelligent and savvy businessman and owner of many businesses and could wheel and deal with the best of them.
Leo was a generous, giving and compassionate man and would give anyone the shirt of his back. Known for his unique sense of humor, imagination, artistic ability and his passion for helping the homeless children in Jamaica was one of his greatest endeavors . He had attended the First Church of the Nazarene and was a Mennonite in his earlier years. He and Katie were avid gardeners and would always share their supply of fresh vegetables with friends and family.
Survivors include his daughters, Kim (Ray) DeAnda and Pam Smith; 3 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild; 1 brother and 1 sister. Preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers Bob and Terry Wagenknecht and his loving wife, Katie, just 14 days before he passed. They are truly together forever and dancing in the beams of the silver moon.
Funeral service Thursday, May 22, 2014 at 11 a.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Mulford Rd. 1860 S. Mulford Rd. with Apostle Don Lyon of Faith Center officiating. Interment will be held in New Milford Cemetery. Visitation Thursday from 9:30 until time of service in the funeral home.