Leon was known for his leadership of the Bond Pickle company from its beginning in 1917. He and his brothers Arthur, Edward, Clarence and Truman, all of whom preceded him in death, began their company with salting operations in Green Bay. They purchased the Oconto Canning Company in 1921 where they began the processing and canning of cucumbers and soon the name 'Bond Pickles' had gained a national reputation. The majority of the pickles and kraut they processed were sold under the Bond name and label.
Leon was not a vain person, but he was proud of his crowning achievement, the Bond Community Center. 'It is my gift to the community,' he said when planning the center. He later becamed with pride and humility in the summer of 1995 when the community honored him during his 100th birthday celebration. It was during that ceremony that he was honored with the unveiling of a life-size bronze statue by his long time friend and confidant Earl J. De Cloux.
As a life long resident of Oconto County, Leon graduated from Oconto HighSchool and served in the U.S. Navy during World War One where he was a telegrapher. At his death, he was one of only two remaining Oconto County WWI veterans. After attending the University of Wisconsin for two years, he left to establish the Bond Pickle Company where he initially served as treasurer. After the death of his brother Truman, Leon became president of the firm. Leon held numerous professional and community leadership positions. He served as president of the National Pickle Packers Association; as president of the Farnsworth Public Library Board, the Oconto Chamber of Commerce, and the Oconto County Shrine Club, as Master of Pine Lodge 188 F. & A.M., and a commander of Jones Modrow Young Post of the American Legion. In 1993 he founded the Bond Community Center. His more than $4 million gift provided for the construction and operation of the 41,000 square foot, state-of-the-art health and recreational facility. He established the Leon H. & Clymene M. Bond Foundation in 1993. The foundation was founded to benefit the people of Oconto and surrounding area. Since inception the foundation has given away in excess of one million dollars. It was named to honor his beloved wife, Clymene Muehrcke who preceded him in death on December 9, 1989. Their daughter Barbara also preceded him in death as did his two sisters, Hazel Bond Burke and Evelyn Bond Dean. Surviving are two granddaughters, Lynn Nichols of Denver, CO and Julia Potter, Pittsfield, PA; one grandson Robert Erickson and three great-grandchildren, Eric and Ellie Nichols of Denver, CO, Cedar Potter of Pittsfield, PA.
Friends called at the Gallagher Funeral Home, Oconto from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday. Masonic services were 7:30 p.m. Friday. Visitation continued at the Bond Community Center 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Funeral service was 11 a.m. Saturday at the Bond Center with Rev. Bob Schut officiating. Burial at Evergreen Cemetery. Military rites conducted by the Oconto American Legion.