Leonard Clarence Britten

Leonard C. Britten 98, of Lonsdale, Minn., formerly of Wausau, died Weds. May 2, 2012 in Minnesota. He was born September 21, 1913, in Park Falls, son of the late Edward and Paulina (Liebel) Britten. On November 9, 1935, he married Joan DeMarte in Bessmer, Mich. She preceded him in death, January 1, 1997. In 1916, the Britten family moved to Laona, where Leonard attended school. After high school, Len enrolled at the Wausau Business College, graduating with a degree in business. For 45 years, Len had been a loyal employee of Connor Forest Industries. His career began in 1933 in Wakefield, Michigan, in 1935 he was transferred to Marshfield where he began his work in sales for Connor and Company. In 1954, he was transferred to Wausau as General Sales Manager retiring in 1976. During his time in Wausau, he was a member of the Elks Lodge No. 248, was a member of the Board of Directors of the Wausau Area Taxpayers League and was a member of the local Toastmasters Club. He was one of the original organizers and was on the Board of Directors with People's State Bank, until 2001, where he served as Chairman of the Board for years. Len was also a member of the Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association and in 2010 was elected to their Hall of Fame for his contributions to the industry. Survivors include a son, James (Shirley) Britten, Webster, Minn., a grandson, Andy (Sheena) Britten, Elko, Minn., and their children, Lenna and Drew. The funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday May 8, 2012 at The Church of St. Anne, 700 W. Bridge Street, Wausau, WI 54401. Rev. Steven Brice will preside. Entombment will be in Memorial Chapel Mausoleum, Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Friends may call on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com