Mr. Lyall Gene Leverentz

MCFARLAND - Lyall G. Leverentz, age 80, passed away peacefully at home, after a long and courageous battle with Parkinsons disease, on Thursday, Oct. 21, 2010. He was born on Dec. 26, 1929, to Lester and Helen (Slinde) Leverentz, in Madison. Lyall grew up on the east side of Madison and went to Lowell Grade School and East High where he graduated in 1948. He was a hockey player and cheerleader for three years. He was drafted in the U.S. Army in 1950 during the Korean War, serving two years. After being out of the Army for several years, he joined the Naval Reserves where he was a Seabee. Lyall retired from the Navy after 20 years of service. He was very proud of his military career. He married Donna Jean Lynch in 1954, in Rockford, Ill. After the Army, Lyall worked as a tile setter in the Madison area. He then started his own tile company, East Side Tile \"Tile by Lyle\", which he had for ten years. He then worked as a brick layer with the State of Wisconsin, where he became the Building Superintendent at the State Capital. Lyall and his family enjoyed traveling and spending quality time together. He was a member of The American Legion, No. 539, for more than 50 years. He was also a member of The Masonic Lodge No. 356 F & AM where he was a 32nd Degree Mason, a Zor Shrine Clown for 16 years, where he was a \"Boss Clown\" for two years and member of the Jesters. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge Member 401. His parents instilled in him a strong faith and he was a member of McFarland Lutheran Church and past member of Bethel Lutheran Church. His hobbies included playing cards with his special \"poker buddies\", golfing, hunting and a special love for his dogs. Lyall and Donna raised four children, Jeanne (Ted) Mork, Jaynne Leverentz, Joni (Thomas) Williams, and Lyle (Luanne Roessler) Leverentz; five grandchildren, Bryan and Sean Mork, Jack Williams, and Cortney and Taylor Leverentz; and a special niece and nephew, Sherry and Justin Pribbenow. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, LaVonne Fanshaw; and brother, Warren. Funeral services will be at MCFARLAND LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5529 Marsh Road, McFarland, at 11 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 25, 2010, with the Rev. Jerome Pribbenow presiding. A visitation will be held at Gunderson East Funeral Home from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 24, 2010, and from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Monday. A masonic service will be held at 4 p.m. after the visitation on Sunday. The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Kostelyna, the staff at Dean Clinic and St. Marys Hospital, the Care Wisconsin staff, Bright Start CNAs, and HospiceCare. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the McFarland Lutheran Church. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the McFarland Lutheran Church. Visitation: A visitation will be held at Gunderson East Funeral Home from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 24, 2010, and from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Monday. Service: Funeral services will be at MCFARLAND LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5529 Marsh Road, McFarland, at 11 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 25, 2010, with the Rev. Jerome Pribbenow presiding.