Leon Lewandowski

Leon Anthony Lewandowski, 90, of Duluth, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2013, at the Solvay Hospice House in Duluth, MN, surrounded by his loving family and is now at home in heaven.

He was born November 23, 1922 in Spring Valley, WI to Leon and Catherine Lewandowski. He grew up in Cable, WI, and graduated from Cable High School in 1941 - as 1 of 18 students, the largest class of its time. He attended University of Wisconsin College of Pharmacy, where his studies were interrupted by his service in the US Army Medical Corp from 1943-1946 in England during World War II. After the war, he returned to college and graduated with his degree in pharmacy in 1948. He was a member of the University of Wisconsin Band and the Kappa Psi Fraternity.

In 1949, Leon married Alice Berg. In 1951, he founded Medical Arts Pharmacy in Ashland, WI, which he owned and operated for 34 years. During that time, he mentored many pharmacy interns. He served on the Wisconsin State Board of Pharmacy from 1969-1975. In 1973, he was awarded a "Citation" from the University of Wisconsin and was also cited as a Distinguished Alumnus by the WI Pharmacist Alumni Association.

He was a life member of the Knights of Columbus, Fellow American College of Apothecaries, a Trustee of Vaughn Library and of Northland College in Ashland. He was also a member of Our Lady of the Lake (Ashland, WI) and St Joseph's, (La Pointe, WI) Catholic Churches .

After retiring in 1985, he enjoyed his summers on Madeline Island and winters in Scottsdale, AZ. In 1989, he married Mary Stryker, and they brought together two beautiful familes. On Madeline Island, he was instrumental in preserving the continued existence of St Joseph's Catholic Church because of its historical value. He was also a member of the Celebrations Committee, served on the Health Board and a charter member of the Yacht Club. He took great pride in being a co-founder of the La Pointe Marching Band. He was an avid reader, historian and loved to sail, ski and travel. He treasured spending time with his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his first wife of 37 years, Alice, his grandson, Marcus Andary, and stepson, Charlie Stryker.

He is survived by: his dear wife, Mary; his children, Becky (John) Hogan, of Duluth, David Lewandowski of Chippewa Falls, WI, Molly Andary of Sault Ste. Marie, MI, Tom (Diane) Lewandowski of Duluth, Holly (Chris) Nemec of Ashland, WI; and stepchildren, Jim (Susan) Stryker of Berkeley, CA, Peter (Sally) Stryker of Maudlin, SC, and Julie Stryker of La Pointe, WI; step-daughter-in-law, Joan Stryker of St. Paul, MN, 26 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to St. Joseph's Catholic Church, La Pointe, WI, the Madeline Island Public Library Fund, or the Solvay Compassionate Care Fund.

A celebration of his life will take place in the summer on Madeline Island.



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