Gracia Jane Leis

     Gracia J. (Berry) Leis, 92, of Sparta, passed away Sunday, December 10, 2017 at the Morrow Memorial Home, Sparta, with her children by her side. She was born on April 14, 1925 to Lenord and Gretchen (Cody) Berry.

     Gracia grew up in Cataract and graduated from Sparta High School. She married Martin Leis Sr. on March 5, 1946 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Sparta.  After marriage, they farmed in the Kendall area for 3 years before moving back to Sparta and farming until 1967. Gracia stayed at home to help raise her family while farming. She also worked as a store clerk for Schultz Brothers, Sparta New & Used, and the PX at Ft. McCoy. She enjoyed gardening and reading.

     Gracia is survived by her children, Mary Brooks of Sparta, Lenord (Janice) Leis of Cashton, Betty (Dennis) Jerome of Sparta, and Edith (John) Bainter, of Sparta; a daughter-in-law, Janie Leis of Eloy, AZ; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; her brother, Dean (Liz) Berry of Cataract; and many other relatives and friends.

     She was preceded in death by her husband, Martin Leis Sr.; a son, Martin Leis Jr.; parents, Lenord and Gretchen Berry; a son-in-law, LaVern Brooks; great granddaughter, Sara Shawley; and a brother, Garmon Berry.

     A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, December 14, at the Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home, Sparta, with Reverend Mark Kvale officiating. Burial will follow in Cataract Cemetery, Cataract.

     Family and friends are invited to call from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home and from 10 a.m. until time of services on Thursday at the funeral home. 

     The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the entire staff of the Morrow Memorial Home for their years of wonderful care.

     The Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home, Sparta, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

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