Dr. Margaret Ives Leonard

Dr. Margaret Ives Leonard passed on to eternal life at the age of 96 on October 28, 2014. "Margy", as she was affectionately known to countless friends, family, colleagues and students was born on June 5th, 1918 in Lebanon, Pennsylvania to Francis L. and Grace (Schrader) Ives. She married John P. Leonard on July 18, 1964. She was predeceased by her husband, her parents and a step-daughter, Susan J. Leonard. Dr. Leonard graduated from Milwaukee Downer College with a degree in Chemistry in 1940. She went on to earn a Master's Degree in biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin in 1943 and a Doctorate Degree in Biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin in 1945. Dr. Leonard had a long and very productive career in her fields of endeavor in both the private and public sectors of the workplace. Beginning in 1940 she worked as a Medical Chemist for Dr. Grant H. Laing in Chicago. From 1945 to 1961 Margaret worked for the American Can Company as a biochemist, a nutritionist and eventually as Chief Toxicologist. Beginning in 1961 she worked for Industrial Bio-test Laboratories in Northbrook, Illinois as an assistant to the President and as a technical director to the sub-acute and chronic toxicity testing division. Dr. Leonard then moved to Wisconsin and worked as the Vice-President and Director of Wedges Creek Research Farm in Willard, Wisconsin which was a division of Industrial Bio-test Laboratories. In 1965, Dr. Leonard began the final full time job of her career at the Wood County campus of the University of Wisconsin as a professor of chemistry and biochemistry. She continued this full time job until she retired as a tenured professor in 1984. After this "retirement" she continued work as a consultant for Bio-Life Associates, LTD in Neillsville, Wisconsin. Margy and her husband John also found the time to establish their own research farm known as The Red Pines, Inc. in Willard, Wisconsin. They resided on this farm for many years and Dr. Leonard was able to pursue some of her favorite pastimes which included breeding and raising registered canines, research and conservation. During her long career, Dr. Leonard was the author of many publications which benefited friends, colleagues and students alike. She was a dedicated champion of the rights of women in the workplace and in education long before many people ever thought of women's rights. "Margy" also was a proud member of and a generous benefactor to many Societies, Associations and Research foundations which have benefited countless individuals in the fields of science and medicine including patients. One of her proudest accomplishments was the establishment of the John P. Leonard scholarship Fund, named after her husband, and established to assist students in the fields of science and medicine. This fund lives on. Dr. Leonard is survived by a step-son John (Kathleen) Leonard of Big Canoe, Georgia and John's children Christopher and Jennifer. She is also survived by a step-daughter Anne (Gary) Rehm of Rib Mountain, Wisconsin and their children Cari Anne Renlund and Karla Zoeller, both of Wisconsin. She is further survived by a stepdaughter, Margaret Leonard of Genoa, Illinois and her children Heather(Mark) Lawson, Sarah (Paul) Odom and Megan Rasmusson. Dr. "Margy" will be sadly missed by her family and by countless friends, colleagues and extended family, not only for her accomplishments but because of the loyal and devoted family member and friend that she was and for the examples she set. Margaret received compassionate care during her last years. As it is said "There are Angels among us." All of you could never be mentioned without fear of omission, but you know who you are and we know that many of you work or reside at North Central Health Care Lake View Heights in Wausau, Wisconsin. We are thankful. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 1, 2014 at Wesley United Methodist Church, 205 E. 3rd St. Marshfield. A Luncheon in the church fellowship hall will follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Marshfield Community Foundation, John P. and Margaret Ives Leonard Scholarship Fund or a charity of your choice. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com