Theodore W. Leonard
April 4, 2026
Theodore Wolfe Leonard, age 64 of Rockford, formerly Delano and Monticello, passed away on April 4, 2026 after an unfortunate but courageous battle with cancer. He was born on July 19, 1961, to Lonnie, Sr. and Nancy (Hillman) Leonard in Flint, Michigan.
Ted grew up in Swartz Creek, Michigan with his parents and siblings; attended Michigan School for the Deaf in Flint, Michigan until he graduated in the year of 1979.
He loved playing softball, football, and wrestling (which he brought home medals for) in high school. After high school, he attended Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., where he met his beloved wife, Debra. They went on to get married and had four beautiful children who gave Ted beautiful grandchildren. He was an avid fan of the University of Michigan, along with the Detroit Lions/Tigers/Red Wing. Ted played for MinnePaul/FAD softball, as well as volleyball and bowling leagues. Ted enjoyed Geo-Caching with friends and wife. He loved traveling abroad, going on cruises, playing Texas Hold ‘Em Poker, and sightseeing/hiking at National/State Parks with his wife. He also enjoyed spending time with family and his beloved Siberian cats, Igor and Nika.
Theodore is preceded in death by his parents; sibling Lonnie Leonard, Jr.; father-in-law Eugene Huncha; brother-in-law William “Bill” Drabelis; sister-in-law Maryann Drabelis; and nephew Dillon Conner.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years Debra (Huncha); children Eugene Leonard, Charisse Pagenkopf (Leonard), Tyler Leonard, and Nathan Leonard; grandchildren Ezra, Xavier, Aubree, Eugene Jr., Axel, Brixna & Skyla, Atlas & Atticus, Leilani, Octavia, Axton, and one on the way; sibling Suzanne Conner (Leonard); as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the Iten Funeral Home in Delano, MN. A gathering of family and friends will be held prior from 10-11 AM. Inurnment in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Delano, Minnesota. A luncheon will be held at the Delano American Legion Post #377.
The service will be livestreamed on the Iten Funeral Home Youtube account, through the link provided below:
