Leonard Wiese

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Bio

Leonard Wiese was born on March 5, 1928, to Frank and Clara (Schad) Wiese. Raised in Gainesville, Texas, Leonard spent nearly his entire life in or near his hometown, aside from a few years in Dallas. He passed away on January 5, 2018, at the age of 89. A lifelong bachelor, Leonard enjoyed a long and dedicated career with the Santa Fe Railroad, where he worked both before and after his military service.

Drafted into the U.S. Army at age 22 in December 1950, Leonard served 18 months during the Korean War. After artillery training at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, his railroad expertise led to his assignment with the 724th Railway Operating Battalion in Korea in May 1951. While this role kept him away from the front lines, Leonard worked long hours at major rail stations in Busan and Miryang, and spent several tense days guarding the rail tunnel at Cheongdo. He frequently spoke of the friendship he formed with a young Korean interpreter assigned to him. For his service, Leonard received the United Nations Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal with three bronze stars, and the Korean War Medal.

Leonard’s younger brother, Bobby, also served in Korea, and the two were able to meet once during their time overseas. Leonard was deeply proud of his military service, sharing stories of his experiences with his many friends. After returning home, he resumed his career with the Santa Fe Railroad, working in both Dallas and Gainesville.

In the late 1950s, Leonard developed a lifelong passion for the mountains of Colorado, embracing hiking, backpacking, fishing, and mountain climbing in the high country. Remarkably, he made his final solo backpacking trip at age 79, aiming to summit San Luis Peak, a 14,000-foot mountain near Creede, Colorado. Although inclement weather cut that trip short, Leonard had already conquered many of Colorado’s highest peaks. Equally fond of crappie fishing and trotlining at Lake Texoma, he enjoyed these pursuits with his older brothers, Francis and Paul, and a wide circle of friends. In 1963, Leonard and Francis built an A-frame cabin near Lake Texoma, which became their fishing headquarters. They constructed a beautiful fireplace themselves, using stream boulders and rocks gathered from Colorado gold mine trips. A devout Catholic, Leonard spent his later years committed to visiting friends and relatives, especially those who were ill or hospitalized. He remained sharp-minded to his final day.

During his final years, Leonard was cared for by his niece, Mary Ann (Wiese) Schneider, until her untimely passing. Afterwards, her daughter, Suzanne Wheeler, and Suzanne’s husband, Kevin, lovingly looked after Leonard. His quick wit, homegrown vegetables, beautiful flowers, and memorable stories are deeply missed. Leonard was a beloved uncle and great-uncle—someone anyone would be proud to call family.

Photos

Leonard Wiese High School

Leonard Wiese Military Photo

Leonard Wiese 8th grade graduation

Tomato Crop

Leonard Wiese National Korean Railroad Card