Vernon “Huntzie” H. Leffel

Vernon “Huntz” Leffel, age 85, passed away Friday, January 30, 2026 at Milestone Senior Living in Eau Claire, WI. Huntz was born September 29, 1940, in the township of Frankfort in Marathon County, a son of Otto and Bertha (Hoernke) Leffel.

Huntz served in the United States Army. While in Pennsylvania, he met the love of his life, Patricia “Pat” Loss, and they were married September 26, 1959. They moved back to Wisconsin and established a family farm in the Frankfort township. There they spent the majority of their 66 wedded years living country life to its fullest.

Huntz loved animals; starting with his pet skunk as a child, his hunting dog “Blue” and even a duck that would follow him through his daily chores. He was always proud of his jersey cows mixed into his herd. Like most country folks, he enjoyed hunting and fishing (when they were biting). However, he was mostly known for entertaining. From the very start, friends and family such as Kathy were a welcome presence. A deck of cards and a cold mug were never far away. Every spring friends would help as he cooked maple syrup in the shack and every fall his house became a deer camp of non-stop activity. He was always ready to fry some fish, flip some pancakes, or cook some venison. He liked to say that you could never eat him out of food. And he liked to argue. If you wanted to make him happy, just ask him, “How much rain do you think we got last night?” His entertaining wasn’t limited to the farm, as he enjoyed part-time bartending when the farm work allowed. Some of his best friends were the people on his softball and bowling teams.

Vernon is survived by his wife, Patricia Leffel; as well as the four children they raised on their farm, a daughter Virginia Brooks, and sons Michael (Julie) Leffel, Jeffrey (Jodi) Leffel and James (Laura) Leffel; seven grandchildren, Amber (Bill) McElhose, Casey Brooks, Katrina Leffel, Travis (Elle’) Leffel, Alex Leffel, Anna Leffel, Otto Leffel; and three great-grandchildren, Katherine McElhose, Christian McElhose, and Sebastian Boesen. In addition, Huntz is survived by two sisters; Bernadine (Norbert) Martin and Irene (Edward) Burkart. He was preceded in death by his parents Otto and Bertha (Hoernke) Leffel; his daughter, Marie; a sister, Marcella (Roger) Schwantes; brothers Elroy (Doris) Leffel, Leo (Joanie) Leffel, Melvin (Pat) Leffel, Milford (Mary Ann) Leffel; and son-in-law Timothy Brooks.

The family would like to thank the people at Hulke Family Funeral Home, Saint Croix Hospice Care, Milestone Senior Living, and The Classic at Hillcrest Green for all that they have done for Huntz. These caretakers are heroes to us and cannot be thanked enough.

A private family service will take place in Eau Claire. A Celebration of Life honoring Vernon "Huntz" Leffel will be held at Country Aire Bar and Banquet Hall, 118600 County Road P, Stratford WI 54484 on Saturday, 28 March. While officially scheduled from 1 to 3 pm, as was normal with Huntz, we expect the Celebration of Life will last past milking time.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you plant a tree in Huntz’s memory, or make a donation to the charity of your choice.

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.  Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements. 

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Vernon “Huntzie” H. Leffel, please visit our Tree Store.