Arden Lee Leonhardt passed away on December 28, 2025, at the age of 82, surrounded by his family at home. Arden passed away following a brief and aggressive battle with cancer, having lived a full life defined by hard work and devotion to his family. Born March 18, 1943, and raised in Sulphur Springs, Ohio, he was the son of the late Walter Leonhardt and Helen (Hammer) Leonhardt Noblit.
Arden, also known as Artie to most, attended Auto Diesel School in Nashville, Tennessee, after high school. He worked at General Motors until he founded Leonhardt Auto Sales in 1969. He successfully operated the dealership for decades before passing the family business on to his son, Greg in 2008. Artie took great pride in seeing the legacy continue through his grandson, Jacob Leonhardt, who now works alongside Greg at the lot on N. Sandusky Ave. Artie was a fixture in the Bucyrus community for over 50 years, known for having a way of finding the right car for every customer, his quick humor, and his love for telling a good story to anyone who stopped by. He was a regular at the Tiffin Auto Auction, rarely missing a week. He loved the thrill of the auction and the company of fellow car lovers. What mattered most to Artie was people. That genuine love for others became his defining trait, leaving a lasting impact on everyone he met
Artie married Vera (Powell) Leonhardt in 1964, and together they built a life centered around family and the outdoors. Outside of the car lot, Artie had a love for his black 1958 Chevy Impala, motorcycles, boating, camping, fishing, deer hunting and was on a bowling team for many years. It had long been Artie and Vera’s dream to own land on Lake Erie. In 1980, they fulfilled that goal by building a family retreat in Marblehead, Ohio. This special getaway allowed them to spend more time together as a family and enjoy playing on the lake.
Beyond his community involvement, he was a lifelong Cleveland Indians fan who rarely missed a game on TV. He was a member of the American Legion, AMVETS, and VFW Post 1078. Additionally, he was a lifetime member of Bucyrus Moose 669, having been a member since 1969.
In addition to his wife Vera, Artie is survived by children: Dave (Connie) Leonhardt, Joellen (Tony) Leonhardt-Kistner, and Greg (Carrie) Leonhardt; Artie leaves behind 8 beloved grandchildren, Sarah (Aaron) Leonhardt-Fairbanks, Aleesa (Doug) Paullin, Baylee (Kirby) Clemens, Jacob Leonhardt, Carlee Leonhardt, Erin (Levi) Licata, Autumn Kistner, Stone Kistner and 5 great-grandchildren, Nola, Amelia, Clyde, Berklee and Xaden. Arden also shared a deeply meaningful bond with Theresa and Tom Fitkin and their family, whom he was blessed to find and embrace as his own; siblings brothers Gerald (Barbara) Leonhardt and Robert (Christine) Leonhardt.
Arden was preceded in death by his son Dan Leonhardt in October 2002. Following Dan’s passing, the family welcomed Dan’s wife Ronda’s new husband, Scott, and his children into their lives; they have been an integral part of the Leonhardt family unit ever since.
Artie faced his illness with the same quiet strength and relentless work ethic that defined his fifty-six years in the car business. He remained the man everyone knew and respected until the very end, finishing his life journey just like he lived—on his own terms.
The family will receive friends at the Munz-Pirnstill Funeral Home on Friday from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm. Services will be held for the family on Saturday with Pastor Ray LaSalle officiating and burial to follow in Oakwood Cemetery.
The family suggests memorials be in the form of contributions to the Crawford County Conservation League or the donor’s choice. Expressions of sympathy can be left at www.munzpirnstill.com
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