Leo ‘Sonny’ William Milkiewicz

Leo attended Escanaba High School graduating in 1947. Leo proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1950 to 1954 earning the National Defense Service Metal, Korean Service Metal (5 stars), United National Metal, China Service Metal, and Good Conduct Metal. He was honorably discharged PO 3rd class. On January 14, 1956 Leo married the love of his life, Joy Hogan, at St. Anne’s Church in Escanaba. Sonny was employed by the U.S. government in the Fish & Wildlife service as a bio tech, retiring after 30 years in 1984. Sonny remained an avid outdoorsman throughout the course of his life, partaking in fishing, hunting, and trapping each year. He shared his love of the outdoors with his family and friends during many hunting seasons spent at “Sonny’s camp.” As an avid hunter with the help of his best friend and son Todd, Sonny filled both his buck permits during the 2023 hunting season. He looked forward to the hunting banquets each year as an active member of the UP Whitetails association.

Sonny’s greatest joy and accomplishment was his family. He experienced great joy watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren in their endeavors, and was known as “grandpa Sonny” to all. He was the biggest cheerleader, and always showed support for Eskymo and Heartbreaker softball. Known for his warm smile and a hug, he brought joy to all who knew him.

Sonny was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Joy; his siblings; and two daughters, Kim Ann Milkiewicz and Jill Marie Milkiewicz.

He is survived by his son, Todd (Kathy) Milkiewicz of Escanaba; grandchildren, April (Mark) Stropich, Sarah (Jeremy) Hughes, Brooke (Michael) Bowden; great-grandchildren, Aubrey, Caleb, Addyson and Calynn Stropich, Emma and Kaden Hughes, Grant Milkiewicz-Tryan, Zoey and Wade Bowden.

The family would life to extend a sincere thank you to the staff at Bellin Health, Bishop Noa, and OSF St. Francis Hospital for the constant and loving care they provided to Sonny.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, January 11, at Crawford Funeral Home, 302 S. 13th St., Escanaba. The Delta County Veterans Rites will conclude the visitation at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12 p.m. on Friday, January 12, at St. Anne’s Church with Rev. Francis DeGroot officiating. Burial will immediately follow mass in Holy Cross Cemetery. A luncheon will be held in the church parish hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family and a scholarship in Sonny’s name will be established at a later date. A message of condolence may be directed to the family by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net. The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the Milkiewicz family.