Leonard W. Waldhoff (80) of Effingham

Leonard Waldhoff, 80, of Effingham, died June 18, 2023 after a short illness

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am, Saturday, July 8, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Shumway, with burial in St. Anthony Cemetery in Effingham. Visitation will be held from 4-7 pm Friday, July 7 at Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham. In lieu of flowers, consider honoring Leonard’s memory by donating to the Beecher City Tri-County Ruritan Club, Beecher City American Legion Post 535, or another charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be left by clicking here. 

Leonard was born in 1942 to Joseph and Josephine (née Braun) Waldhoff, then of Teutopolis, Illinois. He graduated from Beecher City High School in 1960 and attended Eastern Illinois University before enlisting in the United States Army. Leonard served on active duty from 1964-66, where he earned the rank of Specialist 4, a National Defense Service Medal, and a Vietnam Service Medal, among other awards. After his honorable discharge, Leonard earned a degree from Lake Land College.

In 1967, Leonard joined the Illinois State Police where he served with distinction for nearly 28 years, retiring as the District 12 (Effingham) Operations Lieutenant. Leonard farmed his own land in rural Shumway and assisted his brothers in the operation of Waldhoff Brothers Farms. 

Leonard was devoted to his family, church and community. Leonard deeply loved and provided care for his wife, Vicki, through sickness and health, since they married in 1967.

He was a constant, loving presence to his sons, daily demonstrating to them what it meant to be a good man, husband, and father. 

Leonard belonged to St. Mary’s Church in Shumway and the Teutopolis Knights of Columbus. He volunteered with Effingham County Housing Authority, Community Opportunities Inc., Beecher City American Legion Post 535,Beecher City Tri-County Ruritan Club, and the TREC Planning Board, among other organizations. His elected service included the Beecher City School Board, the Effingham County Democratic Central Committee, and the Effingham County Board. As a County Board member, he spearheaded efforts to build a modern public safety building (the Effingham County Government Center) and to improve Effingham County’s roads and transportation infrastructure. He was a frequent blood donor and a youth sports coach, including coaching all three of his sons.

Leonard is survived by his wife of nearly 56 years, Vicki (née Grigg); his sons and their families, Brad (Jamie, néeHenderson) with their children, Austin and Miles, Jeff (Kelly, née Sullivan) and their children, Lincoln and Sloane, and Rodney (Stephanie, née Morris) and their children Madeline, Emma, and Sophia; brother Richard Waldhoff; and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Virgil, Joe, and Dale Waldhoff; sisters Marian Seiler, Patsy Schumacher, and Lucille Reardon; brothers-in-law Kenny Seiler, John Schumacher, and Dan Reardon; infant brothers Raymond and Robert; and infant sister Mary.