Leo A. Marks

Leo passed away at his Greenville home on Friday afternoon, November 4, 2016. He was surrounded by those he loved and those who loved him. He was 86. Leo was born in Waupaca County on March 11, 1930, son of the late Adam and Tillie (Lange) Marks. On June 23, of 1951, he married Dorothy Miller; she survives.

Leo's priorities were faith, family and Nationwide. He taught Sunday school and was a Sunday school superintendent, church deacon and Bible teacher. As Youth for Christ director he planned trips to Pacific Garden Mission in Chicago which led to ski excursions for Appleton East and from there to taking other local area high school students on class vacations. What had started out in the basement of his home as a hobby blossomed into a thriving tour business visiting destinations near and far, for one day or many, across the United States and overseas. With his wife Dorothy, they helped create fond memories for their travelers which became the basis for long-lasting friendships. Leo never considered the tour participants to be only customers. They were friends, his “people”, and he made sure they were treated well. If he was traveling with the group, it wasn't unusual to find him helping restaurant staff clear tables to get his group in and seated more quickly or checking to make sure no one needed anything during the meal. When he wasn't going on a tour he saw all the coaches off on their morning departures, continuing this practice even into retirement. To show how much he valued his “people” and how grateful he was for their patronage, Leo instituted a yearly Appreciation Party which included a meal, entertainment and transportation to the event.

While Nationwide was in its infancy, Leo continued to work for Gateway Trucking where he was well-known and well-liked by those on his local delivery route. After 26 years with Gateway, he retired in 1980 to devote himself fully to the tour business while Dorothy served as tour director. With Dorothy away on the road, Leo's friendly demeanor and lack of kitchen skills made him a familiar face at many local restaurants, especially the Marc's Big Boy, where everyone knew him by name.

Retiring from Nationwide in 2004, Leo left the business in the capable hands of sons Pat and Tom, where it remains a family operation celebrating 42 years of offering tours. With free time on his hands Leo's first endeavor in retirement was to write a complete family history for his five children. It was important to share his memories with those who matter the most to him. Another retirement activity was a monthly hymn sing-along named Hymns for Him held at Touchmark Retirement Community. For five years participants enjoyed a meal and fellowship before singing favorite gospel hymns accompanied by keyboard musicians.

Leo is survived by five children: Linda (Ronald) Schmick, James (Sharon) Marks, Patrick (Kerri) Marks, Thomas (Tammy Sprague) Marks, and Cynthia (Gregory) Thomson; his grandchildren are: Shane Marks, Marshall (Joanne) Marks, Ashley (Edwin) Bonayon, Corey (Sarah) Marks, Kyle (Melissa) Marks, Chase (Amanda) Marks, Michelle (Brett) Krause, Amy Bucklin, Timothy (Michelle) Marks, Tyler (Brittany Bowers) Marks, Tiffany (James) Joling, and Brittany Thomson. There are also several great-grandchildren: Charlotte, Nia, Carter, Easton, Benson, Anna, Evan, Faith, Macy, Miles, Madalyn, Sophia, Silas, Malachi, Caitlyn, Brandon, Taylor, Kelsey, Samantha, Tyson, Kingston, Colton, Lucas, and Logan; and a great-great-grandson, Carson.

Leo was preceded in death by his parents, a son Richard, a son-in-law Terry Kirschman, and a grandson Chad.

The funeral service for Leo will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at FAITH COMMUNITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, N1966 Julius Drive in Greenville. Interment will be in Highland Memorial Park. Family and friends are welcome to gather at the Wichmann Funeral Home, Tri County Chapel, 1592 Oneida Street in Menasha on Tuesday from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM, and again at the church on Wednesday morning from 9:00 AM until the time of the service. For more information or to share a memory of Leo, please visit www.wichmannfargo.com.

Local businessman Leo Marks, founder of Nationwide Travelers, leaves a legacy of contributions to the community. Creating a void in the lives of his family and friends, he will be greatly missed. A generous soul at heart, if Leo saw a need, he was there to offer help, sharing his time and personal interest in others. Not only did Leo show strangers and travelers special care and attention, he treated his employees likewise, making them all feel like a part of the extended Marks' family. Thanks for the memories, Leo. You will be missed more than we can express.

The family would also like to thank their Affinity Hospice caregivers, Jenny and Faye. We will be forever grateful for all you have done for our family.