Shirley Ellen Lechleitner

SHIRLEY E. LECHLEITNER Shirley Ellen (Day) Lechleitner passed away April 26, 2011 at home surrounded by her family. She was born October 29, 1936 in Cleveland Township of Taylor County to Dean and Doris (Williams) Day. She attended Hannibal Public School, and graduated valedictorian of the class of 1954. She married Leonard Lechleitner on July 24, 1954 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Donald, Wisconsin. After graduation she worked at the Badger Hotel and Weinbrenner Shoes in Merrill, Wisconsin. She and Leonard lived in Merrill from 1954-1966 before moving to their farm in Edgar, Wisconsin. She later attended the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point, graduating in 1975 with a degree in Elementary Education. She began her teaching career at St. Mary Catholic School in Colby, Wisconsin followed by 23 years at Edgar Elementary School, Edgar, WI as a fourth grade teacher. She and Leonard operated the Snack Shack Restaurant on Hwy. 29 from 1975-2002 where they developed a family style connection with generations of customers. Besides her love of teaching she was an avid gardener, artistic painter, seamstress, and polka dancer. But most of all she loved her family and being a supportive part of their many activities. She is survived by Leonard, her husband of 56 years, and daughters, Colleen (Roger) Johnson of Eau Claire and Lynn (Scott) Shepro of Edgar and sons, Greg (Brenda) of Suring and Gary (Connie) of Edgar. She's also survived by ten grandchildren: Ryan Johnson and Yasmin (Johnson) Turner, Cody, Trent, Kelby, Cedric, Kia and Xavier Lechleitner and Jett and Eann Shepro. She is further survived by two great-grandchildren: Brecken Turner, born hours before Shirley's death, and Evan Johnson. Shirley is also survived by her brother, Billy (Priscilla) Day of Gilman and Deana (Elwood) Hoffman of Phoenix, AZ and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents. Services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday April 30, 2011 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Poniatowski, WI. Visitation will be Friday at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home in Edgar from 4:00-8:00 P.M. and one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday. Burial will be in the parish cemetery following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to the family for a memorial scholarship that will be established at a later date. The family thanks all who have been so generous with their love and support during her teaching, business and retirement years. A special thank you to Ministry Homecare/Hospice for their concern and care.