Leonard Quinn

Leonard Patrick Quinn, age 83, of Green Lake, WI passed away on Sunday, June 13, 2021 at Waupun Memorial Hospital after a long battle with heart disease and diabetes.

Len was born April 8, 1938 in Milwaukee, WI, the son of John and Loretta (Aubin) Quinn. He received his elementary education at St. Patrick’s Parochial School and graduated from Boys Technical School of Milwaukee. After graduation, he served his country by being in the infantry branch of the United States Army. He married Judith Jacobi in Milwaukee and six children were born into their marriage.

Len’s first major employer was Wrought Washer of Milwaukee. He started as a floor sweeper and worked his way up to management. In fact, he was even sent to Pennsylvania to manage a plant there. Wanting to move back to Wisconsin, he and his wife bought a bar/restaurant in Redgranite, WI they named Quinn’s Inn. He also obtained his Auctioneer’s License during this time. He ran many public auctions but also continued to use his skill by auctioning at fundraisers for charity. After selling Quinn’s Inn, he managed Mascoutin and Tuscumbia Country Clubs and owned and operated Food and Spirits in Ripon. Through it all, he had it in his blood to return to Wrought Washer in Milwaukee, which is where he ended his working career after losing his eyesight.

Ripon Lions Club encouraged Len to get a Leader Dog for the Blind. Mikey, his first dog, completely changed his life. Not only did it provide companionship and independence, it gave him the opportunity to pursue his God-given talent of public speaking. He became a National Spokesperson for Leader Dog for the Blind, giving hundreds of speeches to Lions Clubs, conventions, service clubs and schools.

On May 9, 2009, Len married Kay Zinecker who became his partner in service, traveling with him promoting Leader Dogs and Lions Clubs through the United States and Canada. He was a member of the Ripon Lions Club, serving as president and governor of District 27B1. Len received many awards, including Melvin Jones, Birch-Sturm, Knight of the Blind, and the Presidential Leadership Award. Over the years, Len gave many inspirational speeches, but his best known message was titled “Lions Dream and Lions Make Dreams Come True.” Len enjoyed accompanying his wife, Kay, in transporting eye tissue for the Lions Eye Bank.

Len was a member of Our Saviour’s United Church of Christ in Ripon, where he had served on the church council. He was also instrumental in starting the monthly church breakfast. Len lived a full life. He was a great story teller, many of which were about his family, the most important part of his life.

Survivors include his wife, Kay Quinn of Green Lake, WI; sons, Timothy (Nancy) Quinn of Hancock, WI, Michael (Vicki) Quinn of Oshkosh, WI, and Brian Quinn of Oshkosh, WI; daughters, Margaret (Dale) Nigbor of Ripon, Colleen (Karl) Schmitz of Burnett, WI, and Kathleen (Nate) Hughes of Fond du Lac, WI; grandchildren, Rebecca (Eric) Richards, Emily (Joey) Kuhn, Zach and Lindsey Quinn, Jessie and Conner Quinn, Joshua Nigbor, Kayla (Dustin) Kono and Quinn Hughes; great-grandchildren, Lucas Kuhn and Deanna Quinn; brother and best friend, John Quinn of Greenfield, WI; and sister, Rita Cannestra of Milwaukee, WI. Len was further survived by his step-children, Darren (Connie) Zinecker, Jaime (Kim) Zinecker, and Jill (Tom) Auchtung; six step-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends. Len was preceded in death by his parents, John and Loretta Quinn; first wife, Judith Quinn; grandchildren, Daniel Quinn and Ian Quinn; sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Bud Johnson; daughter-in-law, Christine Quinn; sister-in-law, Mary Quinn; brother-in-law, Frank Cannestra; and leader dogs, Mikey, Ginger and Slyder.

A visitation for Len will be held on Saturday, June 19, 2021 from 2 – 5:00 pm at Our Saviour’s United Church of Christ, 343 Scott St., Ripon, WI 54971.

A memorial service for Len will be held on Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 5:00 pm at Our Saviour’s United Church of Christ with Rev. Dr. Kevin P. Mundell officiating. Memorials in Len’s name may be directed to Leader Dogs for the Blind, 1039 S. Rochester Rd., Rochester Hills, MI 48307 or Wisconsin Lions Camp, 3834 County Rd. A, Rosholt, WI 54473. Len’s family would like to thank Kindred Hearts of Green Lake, Green Lake Agnesian Hospice, and Waupun Memorial Hospital and 2nd Floor nursing staff for their excellent care.

Len always closed his speeches with “The only happiness you get to keep is the happiness you give away. Good luck, God Bless and may you know nothing but happiness.”

To view Len's memorial service please click here MEMORIAL SERVICE.


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