Wilson R. Hardleben

Wilson R. Hardleben LeRoy -. Wilson R. Hardleben, 98, of LeRoy, a Licensed Professional Engineer and Land Surveyor, died Friday (January 14, 2011) at The Village Green Nursing Home. Mr Hardleben was born December 12, 1912, in Tonawanda, a son of the late Charles and Cora Schwartz Hardleben. He was a graduate of the University of Michigan and a member of Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity. During World War II, he was employed by the DuPont Corporation where he helped design and construct the nuclear reactor in Hanford, Washington, which produced plutonium for the Nagasaki bomb ending the war with Japan. Later he served many years as the City Engineer of North Tonawanda from 1952 until his retirement in 1974. Surviviors include his daughter, Ann Ver Hague, two grandchildren, Amy and James Ver Hague, and neices and nephews. Mr. Hardleben was predeceased by his beloved wife of 63 years, Marion Roy Hardleben, and his siblings and their spouses: Viola (Henry) Large, Verna (Robert) Eno, Vivian (Henry) Demler, Irene (Hyram) Newman, Frederick (Naomi) Hardleben, Cora (Louis) Elser, Alberta (William) McCadden, and Ruth (Lindsey) Williamson. Friends may call from 12 noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday at the John O. Roth Funeral Home, 25 William Street (at Morgan St.), Tonawanda, where a prayer service will follow. Burial will be in Machpelah Cemetary, LeRoy, the following afternoon. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Tonawanda, or to the Tonawanda Historical Society. Arrangements were by Cameron Brady and Steuber Funeral Home of LeRoy and John O. Roth Funral Home.