Ardella Marie Leis, 89, of Cashton, Wis., passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family, Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. Ardella was born March 17, 1934, to Joseph and Irma (Schmitz) Schreier.
On Nov. 14, 1956, she was united in holy matrimony to Joseph Henry Leis on St. Mary’s Ridge. Together they raised seven children: Tom, Julie, Karen, David, Alan, Randy, and Pam.
Ardella’s heart was always open, and her hands were never idle. Her work history was characterized by her selfless babysitting for family and friends, a testament to her nurturing spirit. Ardella’s skillful hands created countless pieces of crochet and knitting. She also was known for her love of puzzles, which reflected her patient nature. Ardella’s green thumb brought beauty to her garden and to the lives of those around her. She would never turn down a date to play cards or go fishing.
Ardella’s commitment to her faith was evident in her active volunteering at Sacred Heart Church, where she was a lifelong member.
Ardella is survived by her children, Julie Ann Hemmersbach of Norwalk, Karen (Don) Semann of Sparta, David (Tammy) Leis of Cashton, Alan (Sue) Leis of Sparta, Randall (Brenda) Leis of Holmen, and Pamela Jean (Todd) Erickson of Sparta; her sister, Carol Jean Gilboe of Mesa, Ariz.; her brothers, Roger (Charlotte) Schreier of Black River Falls, Wis., and Dennis (Faye) Schreier of Cashton; 24 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband Joe in 2021; her parents; a son, Tom; a brother, Ernest (Darla) Schreier; a son-in-law, Dennis Hemmersbach; and a brother-in-law, Elwood Gilboe.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be donated in Ardella’s name to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Cashton, Wis.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 5, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Cashton. Burial will follow in Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery in Pine Hollow. Family and friends are invited for visitation Tuesday from 9 a.m. until the time of service at the church.
The Torkelson Funeral Home of Cashton, Wis., is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
