Leo J. Abing

Leo J. Abing, age 74, of Lancaster, died on Tuesday, December 22, 2009, at his residence in Lancaster. He was born on February 19, 1935, in Potosi, the son of Charles and Martha (Schmitz) Abing. On September 11, 1956, he was united in marriage to Bernadette M. Loeffelholz at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Dickeyville. Together they farmed in Grant County and in 1965, moved to their family farm in South Lancaster Township. He was a member of St. Clement Catholic Church where he served as an usher. Leo was also a member of the Catholic Knights and served as vice president. He was also employed with American Breeder Service, and Murrays Dairy Farm and Refrigeration. Leo and Bernadette owned and operated the Maple Harris Guest House in Lancaster for fifteen years. Leo enjoyed scouting back roads and fence line shopping. He was always ready to lend his time to anyone in need.

Survivors include his wife, Bernadette Abing, Lancaster; his children: Denis Abing, Lancaster; Gerard (Roxzanne) Abing, Platteville; Julie (Ted) Sanger, Lancaster; Mark Abing, Germany; Trina (Johnie) Snyder, Lancaster; Stuart (Liz) Abing, Lancaster; Todd (Theresa) Abing, Richland Center; Vera (Robert Lackore) Abing, Madison; 20 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; his brothers and sisters: Marie Herrig, Dubuque, IA; Irene (Clarence) Seng, Potosi; Bernice Kaiser, Kieler; Louella Brant, Kieler; Betty (James) Jungk, Dubuque, IA; Irwin (Katie) Abing, Potosi; Doris (Bernard) Hentrich, Hazel Green; Margaret (Joseph) Hentrich, Belmont; Richard (Paulette) Abing, Potosi; a sister-in-law, Florentine (Dan) Abing-Joyce, Lancaster.

In addition to his parents, Leo was preceded in death by two brothers: Gerald and Cyril Abing and a great-grandson, Cadillac Custer.

Funeral services were held on Monday, December 28, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Clement Catholic Church in Lancaster with Father William Seipp and Father John Norder officiating. Burial was in St. Clement Cemetery, Lancaster. Family and friends called on Sunday, December 27, 2009, from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at St. Clement and from 9:30 a.m. until time of services on Monday. Schwartz Funeral Home is assisting the family.