Leona E. (Steidl) Leis

Leona Elizabeth Leis, 96, of Sparta, died Monday, November 22, 2021 at Bridge Path Assisted Living, Sparta. She was born on February 08, 1925 in Cashton, WI to Jacob and Anna (Suhr) Steidl.

Leona went to school through 8th grade and then went out to work, helping with chores and house cleaning for other families. Leona would later work with a couple of girls that she roomed with, stripping tobacco.

Leona would marry Ernest B. Leis on April 25, 1944 and farmed while also running a milk hauling business for many years. In their spare time they raised 13 children.

Leona loved to garden and crochet. She also helped Ernie with his woodworking projects after he retired from milk hauling. In their later years, they spent many hours putting puzzles together.

Leona is survived by her 13 children, Clifford (Gail Nelson) of Sparta, Stanley (Linda) of Sheboygan Falls, WI, Leon (Irene) of Sparta, Ernest Jr, (Marilyn) of Sparta, Jim (Chris) of Sparta, Stephen (Barb McAlear) of Bangor, Julie (Allan) Anderson of Sparta, Janice (James) Niemeier of Janesville, WI, Janie (Gary) Hartung of Green Valley, AZ, Jackie (Paul) Dwyer of Tomah, Jill (Daryl) Oswald of Norwalk, Doug (Mary) of Sparta, and Randy of Mondovi, WI; one brother Eugene (Lori) Steidl of Ontario, CA;  38 grandchildren,  67 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild and many nieces and nephews.

Leona is preceded in death by her husband; her parents; her two sisters Helen Steidl and Julia Kumm; three of her brothers Walter, Jerome and Richard Steidl; and two daughters-in-law Jeanie and Sheri Leis.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, November 27, 2021 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Sparta, with Father Eric Berns officiating. Burial will be in the St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery, Sparta.

Funeral visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until 12 noon on Saturday at the church.

Lanham-Schanofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

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