Leonard W. Biedermann

Leonard W. Biedermann, 91, Woodstock, died peacefully at dawn, Friday, March 3, 2017.

He was born March 24, 1925, to Walter and Louise (Schmitt) Biedermann. Leonard grew up in the family business, Biedermann Brothers Coffee, in Chicago. He attended Tilden High School before joining the U.S. Coast Guard, where he proudly served as a signalman on Landing Craft Infantry 322 in the South Pacific during World War II. 

After returning from the war, he met his wife of 69 years, Helen Bigelow. They married in 1948 in Lombard, where they lived until moving to Woodstock in 1961. Leonard earned a degree in English and journalism from Northwestern University.  He spent most of his career in publishing and was a creative director at the educational publishing company Science Research and Associates. 

Leonard was an avid fisherman and cherished his time on the water. He was a 4-H leader and loved the county fair. He and Helen were wonderful dancers and took art classes together. At the age of 89, he published a biography of Helen’s brother, which he counted among his greatest accomplishments.

Leonard was an author, artist, sailor, fisherman and farmer, but above all, a devoted husband and father. Along with Helen, he instilled by example a strong faith in God and love of country in each of his children. A true patriot, Len flew the flag every day and attended countless ceremonies for Veterans Day and Memorial Day. In 2011, he flew on the Tulsa Honor Flight with other WWII veterans to visit the Washington military monuments. 

Leonard was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Richard Biedermann. 

Survivors include his wife Helen; three daughters, Christine (Bill) Walker, Farmington Hills, Mich., Amy Halm, Phoenix; and Janet (Edward) Hall, Lake Geneva, Wis.; two sons, Bill (Penny) Biedermann, Spring City, Tenn., and Geoffrey Biedermann, Hebron; 11 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 8, at Schneider, Leucht, Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home, 1211 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock. Visitation will continue at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 9, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Woodstock, until the funeral Mass at 11 a.m.  Interment will be in Christ the King Cemetery, Wonder Lake.

Memorials can be made in his memory to Hearthstone Manor.