Born as Leendert, fifth child of farmer Hendrik and Barbera den Hoed in Ridderkerk, South-Holland, The Netherlands, in May 1903, he sailed in October 1911 with the SS 'Potsdam' from Rotterdam. The family settled in Oostburg, Sheboygan, Wisconsin, in the vicinity of other "fine Dutch Reformed families".

Leonard was gifted with a fine bariton which made him for 40 years a lead singer in "Fred Waring and the Pennsylvanians" singing group which was quite popular in the 40's and 50's of the 20th century. He was also lead-bariton in the Robert Shaw Chorale. The CD "Sea Chanties" from 1960 was re-released in 1999. His granddaughter Laurel Massé got worldwide recognition for her singing in, and as co-founder of, the Manhattan Transfer in the 70's.

Leonard, who became a neighbour, golf partner and close friend of Dwight Eisenhower, reached the blessed age of 98.

Leonard Kranendonk