- Leo Elsbernd January 3, 1917 - July 8, 2009 Leo Elsbernd died Wednesday, July 8, 2009 at the Ossian Senior Hospice where he has made his home since June of 2008. He was 92 years of age. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, July 14 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Ossian, with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m on Monday at the Schmitz Funeral Home and one hour prior to services on Tuesday at the church. There will be a K of C Rosary at 5 p.m. and a vigil service at 7 p.m. on Monday.
Leo Joseph Elsbernd was born Jan. 3, 1917 at Fort Atkinson, the son of Anton and Rosalia (Timp) Elsbernd. He was baptized and confirmed in his faith at St. Johns Church in Fort Atkinson. He also received his education there. On March 18, 1942 he entered the US Army in the service of his country. He attained the rank of Sgt while he served 21 months in the Pacific and European theatre. Leo received his discharge on Nov. 12, 1945. On Sept. 23, 1941, Leo was united in marriage to Helen R. Hemesath in St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church at Ossian. They became the parents of three daughters: Mary, Martha and Lori. Leo and Helen farmed for 35 years outside of Ossian. Leo was an active farmer, church and community member. He served as treasurer of the Ossian Hospice from 1981 until 2006 and he was a member of the board since 1964. He received an honorary diploma from South Winneshiek High School. Leo was a member of the Silver Springs and South Winn Country Clubs and enjoyed playing golf at both of them. He was a member of the "Ossian Board of Directors", and was a former Springfield township supervisor. He belonged to the Catholic Order of Foresters, Knights of Columbus, and the American Legion and held many of the offices in each. Leo was also active in his church, serving as a trustee, lector, Eucharist Minister, and money counter. He managed the Knights of Columbus Hall from 1975 until 2001 and he prayed the rosary both on the radio and for many of the appropriate occasions for both the Knights and the Foresters.
Leo is survived by his three daughters: Sr. Mary Elsbernd O.S.F. of Chicago, Ill., Martha (Tom Richter) Kath of Menomonee, Wis., and Lori Whittle of Sarasota , Fla.; four grandchildren: Kyleen Kath Radmer of Milwaukee, Kindra Kath of Phoenix, AZ and Karl Kath of Milwaukee, WI; and Amber Whittle of Sarasota, FL; four great grandchildren: Tira and Asher VanDenHoek and Emma and Caleb Radmer. He is also survived by one brother, Serenus (Margaret) Elsbernd of Ft. Atkinson, IA; four sisters: Marie Setter of Ft. Atkinson, IA, Rose Lansing of Elgin, IA, Darlene (Clarence) Lansing of New Hampton, IA and Alice (Leonard) Myers of Waucoma, IA; a sister-in-law, Alice (Andrew) Elsbernd of Ft. Atkinson; and a brother-in-law, Leonard Nolte of Waucoma.
Preceding Leo in death were his parents, one sister, Rita; three brothers: Wilfred, Andrew and Edward as a child.
Decorah Newpapers
http://www.decorahnewspapers.com/Content/Obituaries/Obituarie s/Article/Leo-Elsbernd/3/40/20256
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1917 - 2009 (92 years)
Birth - Church Record
