Obituary of Leonard Plouhar

Leonard W. Plouhar May 2, 1920 June 22, 2009 Leonard W. Plouhar, 89, of US 12 East in Niles passed away at his home, early on June 22, 2009 with his family by his side. Leonard was born on May 2, 1920 to the late William and Johanna (Poznanski) Plouhar in South Bend, Indiana. He was one of 3 children in the Plouhar household. Leonard entered the United States Air Force on November 18, 1941. During WWII he quickly moved up the ranks and became a Corporal. He served in the 833rd Bomb Squad and was a decorated munitions worker. During his time in the Air Force Leonard was directly involved in 6 battles and campaigns and was awarded, among many, a Silver Star and a Bronze Star. After being discharged in September he wed the love of his life, Sally (Garcia) Plouhar on October 11, 1945. Together they raised 2 wonderful children. Before Leonard went into the service he was a chicken farmer; and that didn't change when he left the service. While keeping a full time job Leonard and his wife rose over 10,000 chickens for their eggs, grew wheat and also harvested hay. He worked for the Studebaker Company, with his father, for 21 years when he went to work for Wheelhorse. He retired from Wheelhorse after over 20 years of service. Leonard sold the farm in 1973 but always had a continuous garden of all veggies, berries, melons and even potatoes and sunflowers! Leonard was a firm believer that everything that could be grown at home should. He instilled that theory in to his children and they all knew how to operate all the farm equipment and helped make apple cider every year. When his grandchildren were born they were all taught how to run a farm and grow everything on it from a very young age. Leonard will continue to be remembered for being the one to always tell you like it was, even if it wasn't what you wanted to hear at the time. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother Stanley Plouhar. Leonard is survived by his wife, Sally, of nearly 64 years, Daughter Cheryl (Stephen) Perkins of Niles and son Neil (Pam) Plouhar of South Bend, Indiana, 5 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and sister Mary Jane Baker of South Bend and sister-in-law Phyllis Plouhar. A service to honor Leonard's life will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2009 at Mission Hills Memorial Chapel at 2 O'clock with a time of visitation one hour prior. Leonard will be interred at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens.