Nels Leonard Jr. , Phd

February 16, 1931 - October 15, 2017

Nels Leonard, Jr., Phd., 86, of Wheeling, died Sunday, October 15, 2017 at Wheeling Hospital.
He was born February 16, 1931 in Ashland, KY, a son of the late Nels Leonard, Sr., and Rachel Lucas Leonard.
Nels was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Wheeling, and was Professor of Music for 47 years at West Liberty State College, now West Liberty
University. His guidance and patience with his many, many pupils will be endeared by all that were taught by Nels.
In addition to his parents, Nels was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Leonard.
Surviving is his wife, Gyeong Yu Leonard, 2 children; Susan Anita Rausmark of Visby, Sweden, Thomas Nels Leonard of Charleston, WV, a sister, Marie Ward of Kokomo, IN and 2 grandchildren; Fredrik Johansson of Sweden, and David Johansson of Gainesville, FL.
Friends will be received on Wednesday, October 18, 2017 from 2-4 and 6-8 at the Altmeyer Funeral Home, 154 Kruger St., Elm Grove, WV 26003, where services will be held on Thursday, October 19, 2017 at 11:00am with Rev. Robert Willits officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, or online at TMCFunding.com in Nels honor.
Online condolences may be extended to the family at www.altmeyerfuneralhomes.com.

Visitation Information

Date: Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Location:

Altmeyer Funeral Home - Elm Grove Chapel

154 Kruger Street

Wheeling, WV 26003

304-242-0330 | Map

Date: Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Location:

Altmeyer Funeral Home - Elm Grove Chapel

154 Kruger Street

Wheeling, WV 26003

304-242-0330 | Map

Service Information

Date: Thursday, October 19, 2017

Time: 11:00 am

Location:

Altmeyer Funeral Home - Elm Grove Chapel

154 Kruger Street

Wheeling, WV 26003

304-242-0330 | Map

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Robert Tipane posted on 10/31/17

I’m very sorry for you loss .Dr.Leonard not only taught me guitar at WL but was my advisor .He taught me more then guitar , he taught me a lot about life ; was an extreme positive influence on me .My life path would have been much different had he not influenced it. I’ll always cherish the time I spend studying with him. May his Soul Rest In Peace. My prayers for all.

Evyn H posted on 10/21/17

Oh Family, sorry for your loss. I can't even imagine what you might be experiencing at this moment. May you please find comfort in Revelation 21:4 where it talks about a time when death and mourning will be no more.

Teri Cesare-Bartnicki posted on 10/19/17

Dr. Leonard was a very special teacher and friend. He was the first person I met at WLSC in 1964. He not only was an outstanding teacher of the woodwind family, he also had a very special gift of teaching the interpretation of the musical composition and how to feel the music as you played it. He was an extremely patient, caring, and understanding teacher. If it was not for him, I would have never auditioned for the Wheeling Symphony, where I was hired as a bassoonist, nor would I have gone for an interview with Marshall County Schools, where I was employed for 33 years. I also had the honour of being the bassoonist in the Cinque Jouers Woodwind Quintet of which Dr. Leonard was the director and also the oboist. I remember the very long, but enjoyable rehearsals at his home and the many wonderful performances we had, including those at the Greenbriar Resort. His wife June was a wonderful hostess, always having tea and goodies ready for us when we needed a break. My sincere condolences go out to his family, and especially to June, his loving wife.

Zand Baxter posted on 10/18/17

Dr. Nels was my Classical guitar teacher at WL from 73 to 77. He taught me how to play properly. I will be forever grateful.

Michael "Doc' Harris posted on 10/18/17

Doc Leonard always lit up the room when he entered. Nearly 30 years later, and I still remember his infectious smile and personality. Condolences and prayers to family and friends.

Debbie Gibbs posted on 10/17/17

My thoughts and prayers go out to my brother-in- law Tom and his family.

Bob and Kathie DeCrease posted on 10/17/17

Our condolences, love, thoughts and prayers to our brother-in-law, Tom and also to his family.

Linda Dougherty posted on 10/17/17

Dr Leonnard was a kind and gentle man.

Roger Hoard posted on 10/17/17

I'll always remember taking lessons from Doc at his house in Elm Grove on Saturday mornings. He was a kind and patient teacher to me. The sound he created with his hands and guitar still resonate in me to this day. I owe everything to Doc and the Lord for this gift of music. My prayers to the family.

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