Clarence Leistikow, Jr.

Clarence Leistikow Jr., age 82, of the town of Corning, passed away on Monday, October 7, 2024, at his home, while surrounded by his family and under the care of Compassus Hospice.

He was born on December 5, 1941, to the late Clarence and Minnie (Bartelt) Leistikow Sr. at the farmhouse in the town of Corning. Clarence was drafted into the United States Army and bravely served his country until his honorable discharge. He met Dawn Hulke and the two were united in marriage on December 9, 1972, in Gleason. Dawn passed away on April 10, 2007.

Clarence grew up on the family farm and would often haul milk on the milk truck and work at the cheese factory. He was a jack of all trades and was able to build things from memory and enjoyed doing woodworking projects. Clarence worked as a heavy machinery mechanic for many years until his retirement. He loved antique tractors and working with them. Clarence enjoyed time in the woods, whether it was hunting or making firewood, he loved it all. He also would look forward to making knit and crocheted items for family and friends. Clarence was a loving, caring and generous person that was very strong-willed. He was a member at Trinity Lutheran Church in Merrill. Clarence will be sadly missed, but never forgotten.

Clarence leaves behind his sons, Troy (Jacquelyn) Leistikow of Merrill and Cory (Nora) Leistikow of Athens; grandchildren, Matthew, Dominic (Susan), Tyler (Madison), and Heather (Darren); 10 great grandchildren; and sister, Lavera Hildebrand. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Dawn Leistikow; in-laws, Walter and Mary Hulke; brother, Gerald “Jerry” (Sally) Leistikow; and sisters, Geraldine (Lyndon) Oelke and Verna (Edlor) Kleinschmidt.

The funeral service for Clarence will be held on Monday, October 14, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Merrill. Rev. Scott Gustafson will officiate. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, October 14, 2024, at the church. Burial and military honors will take place at Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery immediately following the service.

The family wishes to express a heartfelt thank you to Compassus Hospice for their support and care they had shown to Clarence and his family.

In lieu of flowers, family requests that books be donated to T.B. Scott Library in Clarence’s name.

Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com.