Leis, Chad

Chad married Thompson, Shannon [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Obituary: 28 Feb 2014; La Crosse Tribune

Notes:

Obituary:
BANGOR - Nolan Henry James Leis, 10, of Bangor leapt into the arms of the Lord surrounded by his loving family Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014, following a long battle with Batten disease.
Nolan was born May 24, 2003, in La Crosse, to Chad and Shannon (Thompson) Leis. He was a blessing, with chocolate brown eyes and curly brown hair. Nolan attended West Salem Elementary School until April of 2012, when his illness made it too difficult to continue. He cherished the memories of his fellow classmates from the Class of 2021, especially his best buddy, Gavin, his special teachers, Miss Rhea and Shelly Blaken, and his bus driver, Diane. Nolan's first word was "ball" for good reason. He loved any sport or activity involving a ball. Especially shooting hoops, playing catch and hitting balls off his tee. He loved cheering for his favorite team, the Green Bay Packers, and Brett Favre. He loved long summer days playing on his Slip-n-Slide, walking to the park, and anything involving his best friend and big sister, Brenna "Sissy." They shared a special bond and had many adventures in the tree house, on the Barbie Jeep and playing "Titanic."
Nolan lived life to the fullest in a short amount of time. He was very rambunctious and feared nothing. He would climb as high as he could, often leaving snacks and sippy cups behind. Sitting still was not an option, he was dubbed our "little dragonfly." As Nolan's illness progressed, he was no longer able to do the things that brought him such happiness. Instead, he settled for long car rides to Riverside Park, listening to Tom Petty, Motley Crue and R.E.M., all the while looking forward to the stop at McDonald's for cheeseburgers. Relaxing in his recliner, snuggling with "Mum," cuddling with "Mama Bella," listening to Sissy sing her special "Nonan" song and listening to pregame shows on Sundays with Dad were some of his favorite activities in recent years.
Nolan will be sadly missed by his parents; sister, Brenna, at home; special pets, Chevelle, Miley and Mama Bella; nanas and papas, Jerry and Karen Leis of Rockland, Jim and Jill Thompson of Trempealeau, and "Jampa" Harry Beal of Bangor; great-grandma, Joan Thompson of Wonewoc, Wis.; special auntie and unkie, Melissa and Bob Gollnik of Minneapolis; auntie and uncles, Dawn and Randy Thompson of Trempealeau, and Mike Thompson of Winona, Minn.; and very special cousins, Wilson and Levi Gollnik, and Billy Thompson.
Nolan was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Eugene and Luella Leis, Herbert Jandt and "Jamma" Delores Beal, Bill and Mary Moore, and Verne Thompson; and his very special kitty, Molly.
A Funeral Mass will be 11 a.m., Saturday, March 1, 2014, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 303 16th Ave. S., Bangor. Monsignor Robert Hundt will officiate. Burial will be in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. A visitation will be from 9 a.m. until time of Mass on Saturday at the church. In honor of Nolan's love of the Green Bay Packers, we ask that attire representing the team of your choice be worn at the services. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Jandt-Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, Bangor, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be sent at www.jandtfredrickson.com.
A special thank you to the staff at Gundersen Health System, especially Kristi Sunday and Kerry Jedele, who showed such care and compassion for Nolan and our family throughout his illness; special care providers through the years, especially Brenda Elliott, Jeanne Larson, Amelia Vruble, and Kristen Peters; the Children's Miracle Network; and BDSRA.
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