Leo A. Gonsowski

Leo A. Gonsowski, age 71, of Hermansville, passed away Monday, February 26, 2018 at home in his sleep of natural causes. Leo was born on June 5, 1946 to the late James and Veronica (Kleiman) Gonsowski. He was raised in Wells, MI and graduated from Escanaba High School in 1964. Leo loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and his honesty was his trademark. He was a gentle soul who would do anything for anyone.

After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army National Guard where he served for 6 years. Leo worked in construction as a laborer for many years until he was injured while working. No longer being able to physically keep his job, he became “Big John the Tour Guide” at the Vulcan Iron Mine. He was a natural, because he was a true Yooper.

Leo never married, but loved his family – especially his nieces and nephews. Ask anyone that knew him and they would tell you his true love was hunting; he was an exceptional hunter. He never baited deer, always sat on a stump and waited for his chance at a buck. His wish is that the sportsman’s clubs wouldn’t try and tell the DNR how to run things. Go back to either one or two bucks per year with no point restrictions. It will be a sad day come November 15 without Leo in the woods. But guess what? The deer won’t mind it.

Leo A. Gonsowski is survived by siblings, Raymond (Audrey) Gonsowski of Wells, MI, Alice (Lloyd) Jensen of Wells, MI, James Gonsowski, Jr. of Suamico, WI, and Eugene Gonsowski (fiancé Sandy Carlson) of Ford River, MI; brother-in-law, John “Yonko” Kroll of Wells, MI; and nieces and nephews, Peggy (Bob) Mineau, Greg (Brenda) Gonsowski, Joanie Valley, Steve (Tricia) Gonsowski, Connie Kroll, James (Sally) Olson, Joanne (Andrew) Finnorn, Joseph (Laura) Gonsowski, Michelle (Brian) Arnott, and Mark (Michelle) Gonsowski.

In addition to his parents, James and Veronica, Leo was preceded in death by his sister, Leona Kroll; and nephew, John Kroll.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Friday, March 2, 2018 at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. Military Honors will be conducted at 11:30 a.m. in the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel by the Michigan Army National Guard. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12:00 p.m., Friday, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Escanaba with Father Rick Courier officiating. Burial will follow in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery in Wells. A luncheon will be served after the burial in the Anderson Funeral Home fellowship area in Escanaba. 

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