Betty Carol Leis, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) at her home in Tomah, Wis., on Oct. 20, 2024, at the age of 77. Born on April 12, 1947, to Carl and Amanda (Beier) Niemeier. Betty’s life was one marked by dedication, love, and the joy she found in the simple pleasures of life.
Betty’s journey began as a 1965 graduate of Brookwood High School. While in high school, she worked at St. John’s Pharmacy. She was united in marriage to Emery Leis on May 20, 1967. She worked at Northern Engraving in Sparta before moving to Janesville, Wis., where they lived and worked for 15 years before moving back to the Tomah area. It was then that Betty embarked on a fulfilling career at Tomah Memorial Hospital, where she devoted 32 years of service. Her colleagues remember her as a steadfast and compassionate presence, always ready to lend a helping hand or a listening ear.
At the heart of Betty’s world was her family. She was a loving wife to her husband, Emery, with whom she shared countless treasured moments. Together, they raised two sons, Kurt (Monica) Leis of Wisconsin Dells, Wis., and Brandy (Anita) Leis of Tomah, Wis. Betty took great pride in her role as a mother, instilling in her sons the values of kindness, perseverance, and the importance of family. The joys of her life multiplied with the arrival of her grandchildren, Dylan, Courtney, and Hayden. She cherished every opportunity to bake with them, share stories, and create memories that they will hold dear for a lifetime.
Spending time with her family was Betty’s greatest interest and the source of her deepest contentment. Whether it was a sunny afternoon picnic, a holiday gathering, or a quiet evening at home, she found happiness in the presence of her loved ones. She was an excellent baker and loved feeding her family and friends. She enjoyed gambling, going for UTV rides to get ice cream, fishing with Emery, playing cards and going out on Friday nights for a good fish fry. Her nurturing spirit and warm laughter were the glue that held the family together.
She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Emery; her children, Kurt (Monica) Leis and Brandy (Anita) Leis; her grandchildren, Dylan, Courtney and Hayden; her siblings, James (Jan) Niemeier, Glen (Royann) Niemeier, Gordon (Kathy) Niemeier and Donna (Ed) Wilde; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Lyle Rueckheim and Laura Niemeier; along with many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law on the Leis side.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Lester, David and Calvin Niemeier; her sisters, Evie Stemwedal, Ruby Willet and Fern Rueckheim; and a niece, Amanda Niemeier.
The family would like to thank the staff of Tomah Health Hospice Touch for the care given to Betty.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 25, at Queen of the Apostles Parish in Tomah. Father Ethan Hokamp will officiate. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Tomah.
Family and friends are invited for visitation Thursday, Oct. 24, from 4–7 p.m., with a rosary beginning at 3:30 p.m., at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah. Family and friends also are invited for visitation Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Betty’s memory to the ALS Association, 1300 Wilson Blvd., Suite 600, Arlington, VA 22209. https://donate.als.org.
The Torkelson Funeral Home of Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
