Our condolences to you and your families! We will be praying for you all!

Jerry,

First off, I know what you're thinking.  Me that doesn't procrastinate has for posting my memories.  I called you grumpy and sauerkraut and you called me tiger and pain in the a--., our jokes to each other.  You always said we would never make it to 50 years because of health and you were right  as usual but we had our 44th before you passed away.  People would ask how long had we been married and you would answer  I have been happily married for 6 years and then would explain if you got a truck, boat or something you wanted the years would go up.  I pulled that on you and then we both had a good laugh.  

We had such great times working together with our two campgrounds and installing seats for the Ainslie Company.   I learned so much from you.  

Great memories we had going on the annual trip to Lake Powell, family time wherever we lived, card and board games with the kids and grandkids.    You were a great  spouse, dad,  grumpa (your nickname from the grandkids) and great grumpa.  

Each day we told each other I love you.  The last four days of your life I told you and although you couldn't answer, I know you did.  

Your favorite things besides family and friends were your 55 Chevy (working on it and attending shows and power tours), cruising, gambling (where you always came out ahead),  cheering on your 49ers and playing stickball and tennis.

We wanted our ashes spread in some of our favorite places so yours are being shared with loved ones, Garden of the Gods where we got married, and in the ocean.  The remainder of your ashes will be saved for when I pass so we will be together again.

On our honeymoon you had a 3d art made that said Kenna and Jerry forever.  I will love you always and forever.

Your loving wife,

Kenna

Dear Jerry,

You were more than a brother in law, you were a friend!  You always brought a smile and laughter to our family.  You touched  so many lives.  I will cherish all of the times we had together.  Thank you for being such a wonderful husband to my sister. 

Love you, miss you, so blessed to have you as my brother in law.

Cindy

From the moment I heard the apple story, I knew you were one person I didn’t want to disappoint. We shared many laughs together and got ourselves in a little bit of trouble from time to time but it was worth it. You said that you were lucky to have me for a son-in-law. I believe I was the lucky one to have you for a father-in-law.  Thanks for everything you did for us. Until we see each other again! Love and miss you!

Your Favorite son-in-law,
Mike

To my mentor, my friend, but most of all my dad. First thing is I love you and miss you each day. I still can't believe you are are gone it just doesn't seem real. It took me some days to figure out the right words to say. I still don't know what to fully say except the world list and amazing person. From a brat of a little kid at 4 years old you took me in and treated me just like your son. You taught me how to play sports, ride a bike, fix things, and because of you I am the man I am today. You were always fair, loving, caring, and would do anything for your family. I hope I can be just as good as a person as you were. We all miss you and love you and wish you were still here. I know you will be watching over us all hopefully smiling and making you proud. Thank you for being my Dad I love you and will always cherish the times we had together.

Dear Kenna, so very sorry to hear about Jerry's passing.  May precious memories of your life together bring you moments of peace and comfort.   Sending hugs to you and your family.  Lon & Dorrie Hulsey

Dad, I’m going to miss you so so much! I will miss everything about you. You were the best dad and grumpa. Thank you for all the laughs, memories and shenanigans. It’s still so hard to believe you’re gone but I know you will always be with us wherever we are. Until we see each other again! Oxox I love you Meeses to pieces.

Grandpa,

On Wednesday, the first day of school, I taught my students how to play 31. I shared a little with them: how I learned to play from my grandma and grandpa, who I have so much love for. How we would sit around and play at night after spending the day in the pool or at the lake. How I’d get so frustrated after you surreptitiously knocked with a sly smirk, still holding onto the cards you were dealt. To get them to suspend their apathy from having to come back from a beautiful Seattle summer, I had to share that you had just passed. I kept it together—maybe because of the stress of the new school year or maybe because I didn’t want to get the reputation of being the teacher who cries on the first day of school—and while I did feel sad, I felt so much joy seeing all of my students embrace this game I love so much. Whether it was sitting next to you as you cut up a watermelon by the pool, wrapping my arms around you as we drove around on the motorcycle, or spending time together playing endless card games, I will cherish every single memory I have with you. I am forever grateful I got to see you this August, and though I didn’t make it down to Texas much after moving, I feel peace knowing that you were surrounded with love in your final years. Thank you for being an incredible grandpa.

Love,
Zach

What a beautiful human being I’ll miss him, the rest of my life seeing that beautiful smile !!

Jerry was a wonderful man, he loved his family very much. He always made you smile just by looking at his smile. Those who knew him loved him. He was a lot of fun !! He was a wonderful Father in law to my Son, and a wonderful grandpa to Zachary and Kendall they loved  him dearly ❤️ we had great get togethers ya never knew what he would come up with.  Loved his hats and his wind up toys. lol I know he’s smiling down at all of us , and no more pain. Hanging with his Family in Heaven. We’ll miss you and we’ll see you again . Love Vicki

Dad, I still don’t have the words  it doesn’t seem real.  You were always my best friend.  You loved me unconditionally even when a was a difficult kid at times.  You instilled into me, truth, dignity, respect, forgiveness. And how to be a man and step up to the plate.  You always gave me the best advice.  I wish the last trip we took together I wasn’t able to spend time with you.  Yes it wasn’t my fault but makes me so sad because Inwas looking forward to just hanging with you.  There is never enough time.  But I know how much you loved me.  And how much I love you  I could t ask for a better father.  It was such an honor to be your son.  We will see each other agian but know I will never forget you.  You are truly the most I or tang special man God blessed me with .  I love you

Curt, Kenna, Jerry and myself having such a fun snorkeling adventure in one if the fabulous islands we traveled with them too!

Dad I love you so much.  I miss you more than words.  You were the best father.  You taught me to be the man I am today.  Thank you for the wonderful life of support and unconditional love.  I don’t know how to express how truly deeply sad but yet ok with you being gone.  You are looking down on me wondering if I’m going to mess up your garage!  I will never ever forget you and the memories we share.  I love you and my heart hurts for you.  But I know I will see you again

We’re so sorry for your loss.  May god bless you and your family!  

Charline & Larry Bannister

I met Jerry and Kenna when they moved in next door to me here in the Cascades.   I got to really  know Jerry when I was cleaning my windows one day and my bedroom window completely fell into my bedroom.  Somehow I found some a way to hold it up and ran next door to Kenna's.  She and Jerry came right over and he put my window back in.  He was and is my hero.   After that  he was always there for me.  
I will miss him.   He was a wonderful man.   
My condolences to Kenna, and the family,  Marnie

Kenna and family:  Our sincere condolences!  Wishing you all peace during this difficult time! Hugs Gary & Linda Krosnicki

Jerry and son Curt.  How they adored each other

I’ll not put on the light in the great room, go through the laundry, get ready for a hurricane, and much, much more without thinking of Jerry and how he took care of it all in “Bunny’s Cottage.” Kenna was always by his side to assist. Robert and I enjoyed their attendance at my “Gatherings of Friends,” and “tea time” on the lanai come 5 pm - when they were not helping others. It is a time for mourning the loss of our dear friend, Jerry.  Later on, joyful memories will outweigh the sadness we feel now. Heartfelt sympathy, Kenna. Much love, Bunny and Robert

We met on a cruise Back in 02
It was a start on of a friendship, Oh so true.
Four years in a row, we spent a week on Lake Powell
The fun that we shared was unforgettable

Jerry was one Hell of a guy
Kind of quiet but not too shy
He loved the card games
And sometimes even won
That sly little grin when he said 31!

Golf was another game we use to play
No cash involved so he could play all day
He was not a high roller
But he sure loved to win
We will always remember that smile and his grin

Jerry is gone and no longer in pain
He is waiting up there until we meet again
He’s reminiscing old times with his old friend Kent
As they sip on their Meyers and wonder where the time went

He loved to take cruises with family and friends
He lived life to the fullest, until the very end
We will miss you our friend now that your gone
Our memories of you will always live on

Jerry was a wonderful man.  He loved his family deeply.  He was very understanding and wanted what was best for his loved ones.  He had a a big heart with a lot to give.  His passion for cars, animals, and stocks was very apparent and added to his personality.  He will be greatly missed by his loved ones.  It was an honor to have known him, love him, and be part of his family.

Jerry was a great brother in law.  He was always so fun and funny to be with.  We loved going to car shows through the years with him.  We remember his wonderful cooking and baking.  We love you and you will be dearly missed.

Cindy and Fred Hastreiter

OBITUARY

Gerald Paul Leonhardt

November 9, 1946 – September 1, 2025

Cashner Funeral Home & Garden Park Cemetery

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