Leon Robert Soeldner, age 77, a lifelong resident of Manitowoc, passed away on Saturday, March 5, 2022 at Holy Family Memorial Medical Center in Manitowoc.

Leon was born on May 5, 1944, in Manitowoc to the late Lawrence and Leona (Jasper) Soeldner. After attending St. Paul's Grade School, he graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1963 and went on to complete his education at Moler Barber College in Chicago, IL.

Leon began his working career in retail, primary at Sears in Manitowoc. In 1981 he pursued his lifelong dream of having his own business, opening Southside Barber Shop. The shop operated from 1981 to 1999 at the corner of S. 10th and Madison streets, then moved a block north to S. 10th and Hamilton streets, where it operated until health forced Leon to retire in 2020 at the tender young age of 76. He was born to be a barber and it gave him the privilege to interact with customers of all ages and from all walks of life. Leon loved giving young children their first haircut, and was always willing to take his tools wherever they were needed, be it a jail, nursing home, or hospital.

Leon was also a lifelong lover of music. In his late teens and early 20s he was a member of the Blue Shadows and other local bands, and was also involved in managing and promoting live music. Leon later became involved in several local pursuits and passions, including the Manitowoc Charter Fishing Association, the Manitowoc Police Citizens Academy and K-9 program, the Ant Hill Mob and was a prolific blood donor for the American Red Cross.  His business also sponsored numerous local sporting teams and charitable causes.

Survivors include Leon's three children: Dave (Stacey), Manitowoc, Julie (Scott) Bernier, Rowley, MA, Suzie Barrock, Kohler; six grandchildren: George, Helena, Catherine, Thomas, Eddie, and Annie. He is further survived by two brothers: Don (Jan), Orlando, FL and Vern, Eau Claire; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. Leon was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother, nephew Michael, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

A Life Celebration Social for family and friends will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 10, 2022 at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center, 620 North Water Street, Manitowoc, located on the south property of the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home.  Cremation has taken place at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory and Chapel with burial of Leon's cremated remains to be held at Evergreen Cemetery at a later date.  Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials in Leon's name.

Special thanks to the kind staff of Holy Family Memorial Medical Center for all their caring and compassion.

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11 ^th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with arrangements.