Robert Herman Leis, 75, of Kendall passed away Sunday, Aug. 19, 2018, at Elroy Nursing Services, also known as Heritage Manor Nursing Home, in Elroy.
He was born April 20, 1943, in Sparta to Albert and Esther (Breitenfield) Leis. He married Margaret JaDoul on Nov. 28, 1986. She survives and will miss him dearly.
Also surviving are his children, Mary Sue (Trish) Erickson and Deb Denman, both of Kendall; his stepchildren, Scott (Janice) Ziese of Kendall and Brent (Jenica) Ziese of Edgerton, Wis.; his grandchildren, Danille, Diana, Jay, Ian, Gabrielle, and Hunter; his great-grandchildren, Carter, Brianna, Elliah, Braydyn, and Masyn; his siblings, Ron (Patty) Leis of Kendall, Sister Esther Leis FSPA of La Crosse, Ann (Chris) Solchenberger of Cazenovia, and Theresa Leis of Kendall; as well as many other loving relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Roger and James Leis; and his sister, Catherine Cleven.
Bob worked as a manager at Hillsboro Co-op for 44 years, retiring in 2009. He was also a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Kendall and the Kendall Lions Club for 19 years. Bob served on the Kendall Fire Department and the Elroy-Sparta Trail Board, and he was the past president of the Kendall Housing Board.
In his younger years, Bob played softball and bowled and liked to snowmobile. He was a talented woodworker. Christmas was Bob’s favorite time of year, and even the unjolliest of people would be roped into the holiday spirit just by being around him. He proudly played the role of Santa Claus for 30 years. Bob’s favorite thing to do of all was spend time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 23, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 301 Spring St., Kendall. Father John Peter will officiate. He will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be at the church on Wednesday from 4–7 p.m. and on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of services. The Smith-Nelson Funeral Home in Kendall has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.
