(715) 243-5252 |
Leonard Paul Jarchow Jr., age 64, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2010, following a 2-year battle with cancer. He was a loving husband, dad, grandpa, brother and friend.
Lennie was born on June 28, 1946, in Clear Lake, Wis., the oldest of five children born to Leonard Sr. and Luella (Newville) Jarchow. He spent his childhood in New Richmond and graduated from New Richmond High School in 1964. Lennie attended the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire and the University of Wisconsin – River Falls. He also served in the U.S. Army as a pharmacy technician from December 1965-September 1967.
Upon his return from the service, Lennie worked several interim jobs before beginning work at Cemstone Ready-Mix from October 1971-January 1975. He left Cemstone to join the New Richmond Police Department. Lennie was a patrolman from January 1975-September 1979 when he was promoted to sergeant where he served from October 1979-May 1993. After retiring from the police department, Lennie returned to Cemstone Ready-Mix where he worked from May 1996 until his final retirement in June 2009.
Lennie was a dedicated, well-known member of the New Richmond community. His passion for serving and supporting others touched the lives of hundreds of people throughout the years. In addition to his role with the New Richmond Police Department, Lennie was a St. Croix County Deputy Sheriff and one of the first members of the St Croix County S.W.A.T. team. He also volunteered with the New Richmond Ambulance and Rescue Service for 19-years, from 1978-1997. During that time he was a member of the Emergency Medical Tactical Operations Team (EMTOT), a disaster response team made up of 11 volunteers from county agencies. He was also a team leader for the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and assisted in teaching rescue classes at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College.
Lennie’s faith was very important to him and he was an active member of the Immaculate Conception Church in New Richmond. He was a member of the church choir since its inception and was a regular cantor. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus for 37 years, where he served a term as Grand Knight. If you asked Lennie what his goal in life was, it was to be the best husband and father he could be. He was extremely proud of all of his children; his guidance and support have helped them mature to become happy and successful people. In addition, his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and even children not related will cherish memories of Lennie’s support from the bleachers or sidelines of sporting events.
Lennie’s friends are too numerous to count. Whether he was enjoying coffee downtown in the morning, spending time at his trailer up north, hunting, bowling, sailing, or sharing his wonderful sense of humor, there are many great stories to be told. Lennie was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard Sr. and Luella Jarchow; his brother Dennis; and his “best buddy”, Roger Peterson.
Lennie is survived by his wife, best friend, and soul mate, Vicki; his children, Jennifer (Bob) Helbig, Jeff (Lori) Jarchow, and John (Vanessa Erickson) Jarchow; four grandsons, Mason and Isaac Helbig and Alex and Nick Jarchow; brothers, Jim (Sue) Jarchow, LeRoy Jarchow, and sister, Kathy (Gary) Stelter; many nieces, nephews, extended family members and many friends.
Visitation was held from 4-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17, at the Cullen-Crea Funeral Home in New Richmond. Mass of Christian Burial was held at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in New Richmond at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 18.