Obituary of Leland "Lee" Hunziker

Leland “Lee” Hunziker, age 93, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away Saturday, April 28, 2018 at Edgewater Haven Nursing Home in Port Edwards.

Services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Rapids.  Rev. Dr. Carlton Andersen will officiate.  Burial will be at Forest Hill Cemetery.  Family and friends are invited to attend a time of visitation from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service on Wednesday at the church.  Herman-Taylor Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family.

Lee was born January 16, 1925 in Auburn, Iowa to Walter and Vera (Reseke) Hunziker.  He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on January 16, 1942, serving aboard submarines throughout World War II.  He was discharged on December 19, 1944 with the rank of PHM 2/c. 

He married Marjorie Wirsing on June 18, 1949 in Superior, WI.  She preceded him in death on June 18, 2012.

Lee worked at Badger Ordinance, Baraboo, WI and for the City of Wisconsin Rapids Street Department for 30 years as a truck driver, retiring in January 1990.

He was an usher at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church for many years and held the offices of 5th District Commander and Commander of Chapter 55 of the DAV (Disabled American Veterans). He was the WI Chaplain for the U.S. Submarine Veterans of World War II, besides being the Central Chapter Chaplain and Vice President.  He also held the office of National Chaplain, WI Base Chaplain, Base Secretary, Chaplain, editor and storekeeper for the U.S. Submarine Veterans Inc. He was an active volunteer at King Veterans Home and a WWII, USSVWWII VAVS representative at Tomah Veterans Hospital, believing in serving his fellow veterans.  He also loved to go camping and dancing.

Lee is survived by one sister, Betty Mills of California and many nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marjorie; two sons, Dean and Ronald; one sister, Junita Barker; and two nephews: David Irwin and Rick Howard.

Sailor you have served your God, Country and its flag with honor.  Rest in peace.  Sailor rest your oar.