Leo Joseph Pine, 85, of Kenosha, passed away on November 21, 2024, at Hospice House in Pleasant Prairie. He was born on May 3, 1939, in Chicago, IL, to the late Jack and Eleanore (Reinert) Pine. He worked as a machinist for U.S. Can for many years until his initial retirement, and then went back to work at several companies in the transportation industry, including DJP Trucking and Dejno’s Trucking. He served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve. On May 12th, 1962, he married the love of his life Donna Thomas at St. George Catholic Church in Kenosha and stayed faithfully married to her until the time of her death.
Leo loved playing the slots at the casino, traveling the U.S., fishing the Siskiwit River in Cornucopia, and going to dine at restaurants, especially those that served a really good brandy old fashioned. He thoroughly enjoyed beating an opponent in cribbage. In his younger days, he was a motorcycle enthusiast. He loved the Green Bay Packers and loved seeing them beat the Chicago Bears one last time. Above all, Leo loved to tell stories of growing up in Cornucopia, Wisconsin, his over the road trucking days, and his life experiences. You could see his eyes get just a little brighter when he had a new audience to entertain.
He is survived by his children: Christine (Dan) Porter and Kathleen Pine, grandchildren: Easton (Brittany) Kuehne and Elena (Matt) Littel, great grandchildren: Lilly Garcia – Kuehne and Ezra Littel, all of Kenosha, three brothers: Kenneth (Barb) Pine, Jack (Jana) Pine, Daniel (Stephanie) Pine of Vermont, Colorado, and Alaska respectively, and many other extended family members and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and wife.
The family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to all the wonderful staff and volunteers at Hospice Alliance in Kenosha for all their compassion and care. The family appreciates the many friends that stopped in to visit and chat, most notably his longtime friend, Bob Bell. Special thanks go out to family friend, Sue Graham, who helped Chris and Kathy so much in taking such great care of their dad in his final months.
As per the family’s wishes, services will be held privately.
