Leonard Thomas Schultz

Apr 24, 1948 -

Mar 10, 2020

Leonard was born in Shawano, Wis., and spent his childhood in remote places with large construction projects where his father worked. They lived in travel trailers in the summer and would winter in Sheridan, Wyo., with family and friends. They came to Alaska in 1964 for the construction season, then moved up here permanently in 1966 after Leonard graduated from high school in Kemmer, Wyo. They spent the winter in Fairbanks, Alaska, in a trailer with temps in -35 range. Leonard would tell stories about the ice buildup in the windows and walls during those days.

Leonard worked several short-term jobs before entering the Navy in 1968. He was in the Navy as a Seabee. Leonard was involved with various construction projects in the Philippines and Vietnam as a structural steelworker. He left the military in 1972.

He joined Local 302 International of Operating Engineers in 1978 as a mechanic/welder. He finally got his dream job with the Municipality of Anchorage in 1984. Regular hours of work, leave time, benefits and a pension - what more could he want? He worked there as a temp for a season and was hired permanently in 1985 as a heavy equipment operator.

Leonard met Mary Buroker at Street Maintenance while they were both employed there. They married in 1992. She finally convinced him to retire in 2004. They left Anchorage and settled in Palmer, Alaska, area, where they have lived until he passed away on May 10, 2020.

He was active in Wasilla Bible Church. Everyone knew that if they needed an extra hand with almost anything, Leonard would be there to help. He set up thousands of chairs for various services, helped many on moving day, loaned his trailers for youth trips so they could haul all their gear, and many other service opportunities. The last year or so he was involved with security of the church. Mostly he served during the early service downstairs in the children's ministry. He will be sorely missed by the ladies that serve there and all the kids and parents who came through his door. They felt safe and secure with him on duty. Plus it gave him the chance to get out all of his toys and use them!

He loved motorcycles, snow machines, hunting and fishing.

A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, May 29, 2020, at 7 p.m. at Wasilla Bible Church, 1651 West Nicola Avenue in Wasilla.

Leonard's cremains will be interned in Sheridan, with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to the ALS Association in his name.