LEONARD MANDERFIELD

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Retired Captain Leonard L. Manderfield, a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy, who peacefully passed away February 1, 2024, in Neenah, Wisconsin. He lived a life filled with honor, dedication, and service to his country. He will forever be remembered as a true leader.

Len was born November 26, 1939 in New London WI, the son of Lawrence and Leona Manderfield.  He graduated Washington High School in 1957 and attended UW-Oshkosh, graduating in 1961 with a degree in Business Administration. Later in life, he earned his Master's degree in Foreign Relations from The Naval War College in Boston, MA.  Following college graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he was accepted to Officer Training School and embarked on a remarkable journey serving his country and traveling the world. He valued his 28-year military service and made many lifelong friends. He had the honor of commanding the U.S. Naval destroyers USS Holder and USS Sierra. He retired as Captain in 1989 to Clifton Park, NY, later to Ocala, FL before returning to Wisconsin to be closer to his family in 2021.

Len is survived by his children, Tamara (Peter) Manderfield, Todd (Patti) Manderfield, his sister Lucy Lineburg, his sister-in-law, Marlene Manderfield, his niece Melanie (Matt) Gould, his niece Marianne (Rick) Ricciardi, and special lifelong friend, Marti Benz. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Len was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Millie, his brother Larry, his nephew Mike and niece Michelle Marshment, his brother-in-law Glenn Lineburg, and his beloved dogs Scooter and Pierre.

The family would like to extend our sincere thanks and gratitude to the ThedaCare Hospice Team and the staff at New Perspectives Island Shores in Neenah for their compassionate and professional care during his time in hospice. They made his final days in his home much brighter and comfortable. For that, we are eternally grateful.

Len will be laid to rest at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 21731 Spring Street, Union Grove, WI with full military funeral honors on Friday February 16, 2024 at 10:00AM.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the U.S. Naval Institute Foundation (www.usni.org)