Thomas L. Leidenheimer, 83, of Mercer, died Tuesday afternoon, May 20, 2008, at Josephine Haus Assisted Living Facility in Rhinelander. He was born July 18, 1924, in Herrin, IL, son of the late John and Susan (Meier) Leidenheimer, attended Herrin schools, and graduated from Benton High School in Benton, IL in 1942. He then served in the U.S. Army during World War II and became disabled due to an injury and was honorably discharged in 1943. Following his discharge, he worked for the U.S. Army at the Decatur Signal Depot in Decatur, IL until 1961, when he transferred to Ft. Monmouth, N.J., retiring in 1982 and moving to Mercer where his two brothers lived. Tom was a member of St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church in Mercer, 4th Degree member and past Grand Knight of Mercer Knights of Columbus Council 7228, a member of Mercer American Legion Post 424 and Disabled American Veterans of Eagle River, and a life member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, birdwatching, woodworking and spending time with family. On Sept. 1, 1947, he was married to the former Mary Scarborough at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Benton, IL by Fr. John Venegoni. She preceded him in death on Sept. 18, 2003. Surviving are two sons, Thomas E. (Sandra), Mercer, and Lawrence C., Duluth, Minn.; two grandchildren, Elisa (Duane) Cottrell, Denton, TX and Julie (Scot) Lundquist, Mercer; three great-grandchildren, Cason and Jack Cottrell and Piper Lundquist; and numerous nieces and nephews. Besides his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by two brothers, John and Larry; and a sister, Mary Alice McCleish. Out of respect for Tom's wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 24, at 11 a.m., at St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church in Mercer, with Deacon Norbert Brossmer officiating. Military rites will be accorded by the Mercer American Legion Post 424 Honor Guard. Interment will be in the Mercer Cemetery at a later date. Friends may call at the church one hour prior to the service on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Alzheimer's Association. To view Tom's obituary online, sign the guestbook and express condolences, visit mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are with McKevitt-Patrick and Engstrom Funeral and Cremation Services of Ironwood and Hurley.