Leonard Clarence Pijan Jr.

Leonard C. Pijan Jr., age 88, died on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Wood Aven Health & Rehab Services in Wausau, while under the care of Aspirus at Home Hospice.

He was born on June 2, 1938, and was the son to the late Leonard C. Sr. and Vernette (Dobberstien) Pijan in Wausau. Len attended Wausau High School and then bravely enlisted in the United States Navy, until his honorable discharge. He married Brenda Eckes in 1977. She survives.

Len worked in the construction and transportation industry for many years, driving dump truck for most of it. He was an avid bird watcher, and an amazing artist, where he would use oils, watercolors and even coffee to paint. His family is now able to cherish his pieces in his memory. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, and in his younger years, going on rides through the countryside with Brenda. Len was very involved and active in his church, Bethany Baptist Church in Wausau, even traveling over to Ukraine to the sister church there. He appreciated and loved the outdoors, squirrel hunting, and fly fishing, and he passed that passion on to his children. Len was very proud of the work that he did with the Boy Scouts, where he led Pack 413 from 1963 until 1975. Those days were some of his fondest memories. Len will be sadly missed, but always in the hearts and minds of his loved ones.

Len is survived by his wife: Brenda Pijan, children: Kay (Steve) Glimm, Debora (Fritz) Lapenson, Joseph (Katie) Pijan and Matthew (Krystal) Pijan, along with step-children: Kristi (Jeff) Traska and Bruce Eckes, grandchildren: Bradley, Codi, Alesha, Abby, Brooke, Steve, Debbie and Chad, great grandchildren: Brandon, Alex, Kaitlyn, Grant, Leo, Draven, Jonathan, Riley, Braelynn, Braxtynn, Cowen and Clayton and one great great granddaughter: Oakley. He is further survived by his sisters: Nancy and Susie and brother: David, along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife: Carol, brother: John and sister: Barbara.

The family wishes to thank the excellent staff at Wood Aven and Aspirus Hospice for their care, support and kindness throughout Len’s journey.

Brainard Funeral Home & Cremation Center of Wausau is honored to assist Len’s family with the arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.brainardhelke.com.