Leo F.
Wegerbauer
Dr. Leo Francis Wegerbauer, D.D.S., beloved husband, father, grandfather, and esteemed member of the dental community, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2024 at Aurora Zilber Family Hospice in Wauwatosa, WI. He was born on March 28, 1937, in Cudahy, WI, to Joseph and Catherine (nee Hölzl) Wegerbauer.
Leo’s life was characterized by a profound dedication to his family, profession, and passions. A member of St. Mary’s Church in Hales Corners, Leo’s journey began with his education at Cudahy High School, where he distinguished himself not only academically but also as a standout athlete. Colleagues and friends fondly remember him as a “Superjock” due to his prowess in basketball, golf, volleyball, tennis, softball, skiing, and football, where he played offense, defense, and special teams. He still participated in sports in his 60s and 70s. In addition to being a participant, he was an avid fan of both professional and college sports teams in Wisconsin, especially the Marquette Golden Eagles. He served as a cheerleader for athletic events in which his grandchildren participated. Leo enjoyed spending time at his cottage in Rome where he could build or fix anything.
Leo worked three jobs while attending Marquette University and the Marquette School of Dentistry. He studied on the bus as he traveled between jobs. After graduating from Marquette University School of Dentistry in 1960, Leo embarked on a distinguished career in dentistry, serving the community of West Allis until his retirement in 2005. His commitment to excellence and compassionate care earned him the respect and admiration of patients and peers alike. He cherished his role as President of the Greater Milwaukee Dental Association in 1983. In addition to his professional endeavors, Leo proudly served in the US Air Force.
Leo was very proud of his Austrian heritage. His parents Joseph and Catherine arrived in the U.S. in 1924 from Putzleinsdorf, Oberösterreich, Austria. Joseph followed his brothers Leo and Eugene to Cudahy, WI, where they had settled earlier. The Wegerbauer family formed a worldwide family association, holding occasional family reunions both in Austria and the U.S. During his last days, Leo received calls and messages from family members in both countries.
Leo found joy and companionship in his marriage (24 September 1960) to Donna (nee Liberato) and in his marriage (28 July 2001) to Mary Lou (nee McClone). Leo’s legacy extends beyond his professional achievements to his role as a loving husband, father, and grandfather.
Leo was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Sr. and Catherine; first wife, Donna; daughter Kristin; brother Joseph Jr.; sister Hildegarde (Earl) Weber; sister Rosemary (James) Bruno; brother-in-law Marshall Savick. He is survived by his devoted wife, Mary Lou; son Michael (Sandra, nee Saja); grandchildren Samantha, Nathan, and Laurel; sisters-in-law Rose Marie Fahsl, Denise (Jerry) Bachand, Patricia (Duane Bogenschneider) Ruffin, Kathy (John) Porter, Maureen McClone; stepsons Chris (Katie Pyzyk) Houle, Tim Houle, and Jeff (Maya) Houle; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visitation will be on Saturday, April 6, from 10:00 AM until the time of the Funeral Service at 1:00 PM at Heritage Funeral Home located at 16880 W. National Ave., New Berlin.
In memory of Leo’s life and legacy, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the National Kidney Foundation at www.kidney.org.
Doc always had a kind word and a joke for his son’s friends.
i loved hearing about Mike and his dad working on different projects at the lake.
And allowing us to share time up there.
I’m very happy you both could join us today.! Thank you for the kind words.
My deepest condolences to Dr. Wegerbauer’s family. He was my first dentist and l loved going to him for so many years. As a kiddo with lots of cavities, I saw him a lot. 🙂 I loved reading the Highlights magazine while waiting to see him, and picking a prize from the treasure chest when I was done with my appointment. He would always ask me about my classes and gymnastics. To this day, I complain that I have not found a dentist as friendly, compassionate and pain-free as Dr W. He was one a kind!
Thank you for your kind words Nadia. We will miss him tremendously.
Leo and I went thru Dental School together. We were both W’s so we sat close in most classes. A group of 12 of us formed social group we called or Study Club and met once a month till Florida and Arizona. Beckoned some.. Great friend, wonderful man, we will all miss him.
Thank you for the kind words! Dr Weber!. He spoke of Study Club often and with great fondness. You guys shred a great bond!
I called the dental buiding on 70th off greenfield in 1962 wanting a specific dentist. I was told he was not taking new patients but there is another dentist in the buiding. I asked if he was young, she said yes, gave me his number and DR. Wegerbauer was my dentst for the next 43 years. The best dentist in the world!!! I introduced him to my 10 brothers and sisters , the Barczak’s, and my best friend Kay Eichman Shomperlen, Practically the whole Barczak Clan and their families had Dr Wegebauer as their Dr one time or another. He and his office staff was so fun. One time I was patient of the week. Denice and Dr. Wegerbauer made coming to the dentist fun!! He even attended weddings, birthday parties (sang karaoke) Eagle scout induction. We all thought the world of Dr. Leo Wegerbauer. His memory will live forever.
Thank you coming today Sue! I love this story. Congratulations on being patient of the week! I hope you got to choose a toy from the toy chest!
Leo was one of our favorite friends. He and Ron played tennis together for many years on Saturday morning. He dubbed Ron “ Dancing Bear” for his play at the net. We enjoyed many lunches and dinners with Leo and Mary Lou. Leo was always good for many laughs with his wonderful jokes and lively sense of humor.. Being with Leo made the day much better. Our sympathies to Mary Lou and Michael and their families. He led a great life and will be missed by many.