Leonard "Smokey" Barfknecht Jr.

Leonard W. “Smokey” Barfknecht Jr., age 80 of Janesville, WI passed away on Monday, May 26th at Azura Memory Care in Beloit, WI. Leonard was born on December 10, 1933 in Janesville, WI the son of Leonard and Lorraine (nee Becker) Barfknecht Sr. Leonard served in the US Army and retired from General Motors with almost 50 years of employment at the Janesville plant. Prior to his illness, Leonard regularly attended area stock car races and was an avid NASCAR fan. He also enjoyed auctions and was a collector of John Deere Tractors - showing them yearly at the Rock River Thresheree held near the family farm. He is survived by his Children: Lee (Kathy) Wilke of Arbor Vitae, WI; Lance (Renee) Wilke of Woodruff, WI, Lori (Ken) Neff of Merrill, WI and Lisa Gardener of Oakdale, MN and by 7 Grandchildren and 6 Great Grandchildren. Further survived by his Siblings: Jean (Peter) Watson, Judy Coats, Barb Galinsky, Gerald Barfknecht, Hazel Barfknecht, Janet K. Conkle and James L. Barfknecht and by many nieces and nephews. Leonard was preceded in death by one brother, Donald Barfknecht. Visitation will be held on Monday, June 2nd at Milton Lawns Memorial Park in Janesville, WI from 1:00 PM till 1:45 PM with Graveside services at 1:45 PM. Leonard’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the Wright Home Staff (Janesville) and Azura Memory Care (Beloit) for the incredible care and love shown to Smokey for the past 5 years. Memorials may be made to the Beloit Hospice program on Smokey’s behalf. Online condolences may be shared at www.nimsgernfuneral.com NIMSGERN FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES OF WOODRUFF, WI IS SERVING THE FAMILY.