Robert "Bob" L. Leisgang

Robert "Bob" Leisgang, 94, died peacefully on Wednesday, September 20th, 2017 at Hillview Health Care Center with his family by his side. He was born on June 17th, 1923 in La Crosse, WI to Frank and Gertrude (Przywojski) Leisgang. Bob attended Holy Cross School for his elementary years and graduated from Aquinas High School in 1942. After graduation, he enlisted in the US Army and served in the European Theater with Company G, 3rd Infantry, Bob was a decorated World War Il veteran. He was given an honor for his wounds, the Purple Heart, after he sustained serious injuries from artillery fire in France. Upon returning from the war, he met his future bride, Phyllis Olson. They were married at Holy Cross Catholic Rectory on September 27th, 1947 She would be the love of his life for the next 64 years. Together, they raised three children who continued to be devoted to him throughout his life

Bob was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Throughout his life, he enjoyed wood-working and building bird houses. But most of all, he loved giving his bird houses away. His face would light up when he would hear all of the stories about the birds that would visit and live in his custom-made homes.

He was also a meticulous painter and took pride in his finished projects. He was dedicated and hard-working. There wasn't a job that he couldn't tackle His home overlooked the beautiful Mississippi River Valley so he was fortunate to fish often, a hobby he enjoyed very much. Watching the eagles sore high in the sky was a favorite past time of his. Throughout his life, Bob was employed by Northern Engraving and Allis Chalmers from which he later retired.

One of the highlights of his life was his trip to Washington D.C. with his daughter. He took the very first Freedom Honors Flight in 2008, to visit the WWII Memorials. He was even given the great honor of carrying the American Flag during a ceremony at the memorial; an experience that he talked about often. He loved his country and his service and flew his American Flag proudly at his home. Bob's Catholic faith remained strong throughout his life. He never missed weekly mass and could always be found in the third pew of the church, He prayed every night for his family, individually naming each person, their spouses and their children.

Left to remember his love and honor his memory are Bob's three children, Barbara (Michael) Stanek, Robert C Leisgang, and Gregory (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; ten great-grandchildren, Elizabeth and Katherine Copps, Tessa, Makenna and Brielle Wilson, William and Henry Hanzel, Olivia. Ava, and Emma Hammes, a very special nephew Jef (Nancy) Leisgang and Chance and Gemma; several nieces and nephews; a former daughter-in-law Peggy Severson and sister-in-law Shirley (Bud) Rogge.

He is remembered by longtime friends, Maynard Phillips and Sister Kathy Stuttgen. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Kathryne Humbel, who provided Bob with care and friendship during the difficult last year of his life. You will all be forever in our gratitude. Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis and brother, Donald F. Leisgang,

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, September 25, 2017 at 10:30 AM at Mary, Mother of the Church Parish, 2006 Weston Street in La Crosse with Father Brian D. Konopa officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until the time of service. Entombment will be at Garden of Peace Mausoleum, Mormon Coulee Memorial Park. Military Honors will be accorded by the La Crosse American Legion Post 52.

The family would also like to thank all the staff from Benedictine Villa, Benedictine Manor and Hillview Health Center for the remarkable care you gave to our father. You are a unique and dedicated group of people who provided him with not only excellent care, but a special type of compassion his last days on earth.

Proudly remembered and deeply missed, we know you are soaring high with the eagles with Grandma by your side.

The family requests that memorials be made to the Freedom Honors Flight in La Crosse, or any of the above health care facilities.