Leonard Robert Massie

Leonard Robert Massie, 85, passed away on June 3rd, 2023. He was born on December 16th, 1937, in Rice Lake, WI, to Robert ‘Mike’ and Theo (Rich) Massie. Leonard grew up in Chetek and Hillsdale, WI. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he received Bachelor of Science degrees in Agricultural Engineering and Civil Engineering, a Master’s degree in Agricultural Engineering, and a PhD in Civil & Environmental Engineering with a minor in economics. In 1961, he joined the University of Wisconsin-Madison faculty working in Agriculture Extension. He achieved status as a full professor in 1977. Leonard loved working with students and farmers throughout the state of Wisconsin and the Midwest. He retired in 1996 after 35 years on the faculty.

Leonard was active in the community and with his hobbies. He played clarinet and was a member of several musical organizations, including Deutsch Kapelle, The Studio Orchestra, Iron Horse Cornet Band, and Zor Shrine Band. He continued to support farming and education by donating his time in support of FFA activities and judging speech contests while also being an active member of Kiwanis.

Leonard married Marianne Christiansen on September 3rd, 1960. They were happily married for 57 years. Marianne preceded Leonard, passing away in September of 2017. Leonard is survived by: his children, Gwen (Dennis) Heineck, Jill (Shaun) Lynch, Timothy (Jenny) Massie, Kristina Study; his grandchildren, Brittany, Bailey, Courtney, Quinn, Jase, Riley, Lea, Benjamin, and Amelia; his great-grandson Ryker; his brother Cecil (Debra) Massie; numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

A memorial service will be held at 11am on Saturday July 15th, 2023, at BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 312 Wisconsin Ave. A visitation will be from 4-7pm on Friday July 14th, 2023, at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Rd., and from 10am until the time of the service on Saturday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to scholarship funds for the College of Agricultural Life Sciences (CALS) and Future Farmers of America (FFA).

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road  Madison

(608) 238-3434