Phyllis O Leisgang

Phyllis Olene Leisgang, 86, of La Crosse, died on Monday, July 16th, 2012 at the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, surrounded by her loving family, she peacefully went to meet with her God. She was born on May 20, 1926 on the family farm in Mindoro, WI to Rudolph and Lilly (Hanson) Olson. On September 27, 1947 she was united in marriage to Robert Bob Leisgang at Holy Cross Catholic Rectory in La Crosse. Bob was the love of her life and she was totally devoted to him. Their strong union continued for 65 wonderful years. Phyllis and Bob raised their three children together in La Crosse, and were happy when all three married and remained living in the same town. She was a loving wife, mother and friend throughout her life. Phyllis was employed at La Crosse Footwear for 30 years before her retirement. She was a hard worker and rarely missed a day on the job. After her retirement she focused her time on her family, never refusing to babysit for her grandchildren. They brought her an abundance of joy. She always had cupcakes ready when she knew her great grandchildren were coming to visit. Phyllis was a grandmother with many names, depending on which child arrived at her door. Sometimes it was just Grandma, sometimes it was Nana, and sometimes it was Grandma Pretzel. Phyllis was also an avid reader. She stayed up late every evening enjoying a good book. When her eyesight failed, she began using audio books. She loved getting comfortable in her recliner and relaxing, while listening to an interesting story. Phyllis was often seen outside, mowing her lawn on the riding tractor, or tending to her flowers. She loved the birds and made fresh oriole nectar for their feeder. Even with her poor sight, she knew when the birds were eating. She also loved her sons dog Benji and had the doggie treats ready for him every time he came to see her. Her Catholic faith remained strong throughout her life. She never missed weekly mass and could always be found in the same third row pew. She prayed every night for her family and for any special person or circumstance she felt could use some heavenly help.

She is survived by her husband Bob, three children, Barbara (Michael) Stanek, Robert C. Leisgang, and Greg (Sherri) Leisgang, all of La Crosse, six grandchildren, Melissa (Stephen) Copps, Krista (Cory) Wilson, Dana Leisgang, Gina (Bradley) Hanzel, Lindsey (Nicholas) Hammes, and Joshua Leisgang, eight great-grandchildren, Elizabeth and Katherine Copps, Tessa, Makenna and Brielle Wilson, Olivia Hammes, and William and Henry Hanzel, a sister, Shirley (Bud) Rogge, a special nephew Jef (Nancy) Leisgang and their children Chance and Gemma, a brother-in-law Vilas Comperud, her former daughter-in-law, Peggy Severson, and many loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters, Geraldine (Odell) Tranberg, Winnifred (Vernon) Anderson, and Mardelle Comperud, one brother Dallas (Corinne) Olson, and a brother-in-law, Ronald Wehrs.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, July 19th, 2012 at 2:30 PM at Mary, Mother of the Church Parish and St. Thomas More Catholic Church. Rev. Douglas Robertson will officiate. Entombment will be in the Garden of Peace Mausoleum, Mormon Coulee Memorial Park. Friends may call at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse on Wednesday from 5:00 7:00 PM and at the church on Thursday from 1:30 PM until the time of services. A Prayer Service will be held Wednesday evening at 6:45 PM. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred.

Her family would like to thank the entire staff on 4 Center for their kindness and compassionate care given to Phyllis during her hospitalization. You are a gifted group of people and we will be forever grateful to you. A special thank-you to Sister Kathy Stuttgen, FSPA and to Karen Weis for staying with Phyllis during our family wedding.

Honey, Mom, Grandmother, we will all miss you deeply, remember you daily, and love you forever.