Leskinen W Sigurd
March 23, 1937 - July 08, 2020
Obituary
MADISON - Sigurd William Leskinen, age 83, of Madison, passed away on Wednesday, July 8, 2020, at UW Hospital and Clinics. He was born on March 23, 1937, in Madison, the son of Sigurd A. Leskinen and Julia (Pagel) Leskinen. Sigurd attended Madison East High School class of 1955. He joined the U.S. Army National Guard during high school and served from 1954 until 1956 as a dental technician. Sigurd married his high school sweetheart, Marlyne Schwartz, on April 23, 1955, at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Madison and spent 61 wonderful years together.
Sigurd had great pride at being a skilled tradesman and he was a master electrician. He retired from the University of Wisconsin in 2002 as head of their electric shop. He was a long-time member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Sigurd enjoyed the shooting sports and was a member of the Wisconsin Practical Pistol League and the NRA, where he won many trophies for competitive shooting. Sig served his community as a volunteer bell ringer for The Salvation Army for many years and was a regular blood donor for the American Red Cross.
Sigurd had his private pilot’s license for 57 years and loved flying - it was a dream of his from childhood. He especially loved flying his Sonerai which he home built himself and completed in 1976, and his Cessna 170B. He was a lifetime EAA member and one of his favorite things to do was head to Oshkosh for the Air Venture Fly-in. He was very handy and loved spending time making and fixing things.
Sigurd loved the outdoors, especially fishing, hunting, camping and playing golf in his retirement. He was an avid Harley Davidson rider and loved riding with his family. Most of all, his family meant everything to him and would do anything to help. Sig had great pride in his family and his Finnish heritage.
Sigurd is survived by his sons, William (Rebecca) Leskinen and Thomas (Klare) Leskinen; daughters, Victoria Leskinen and Melanie Wichern (Wolf Kartenbeck); grandchildren, Nicholas (Dana) Otterback, Meda (Michael) Szlapka, Margaret (James) Babb, Josh Wichern, Wiley Leskinen and Ethan Leskinen; great-grandchildren, Olivia Szlapka, Cale, Mya , Wyatt , Sven and Milly Otterback ; brothers, Richard Leskinen (Michael Hill) and Terry “Shorty” (Carla) Leskinen; sister, Pam (David ) Horn; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marlyne; his parents; in-laws, Thomas (Meda) Schwartz; and infant brother, Otto Leskinen.
A private graveside burial will be held at HIGHLAND MEMORY GARDENS on Tuesday, July 14, 2020. Memorials may be made to The Salvation Army or The EAA Experimental Aircraft Association.
The family would like to thank the entire staff at UW Health and Coventry Village Independent Living for the care and support that they have given Sig and the entire family during this difficult time. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
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Memories
DH
Darlene Harris
Other •
My condolences to the family, as an old neighbor from Marg Street. Darlene Harris. Tom and Vickie you both babysat for my two kids Suzie And Boomer(Dan) . I am so very sorry for the loss of your loving Dad. Myron also had passed away from cancer approximately 7 years ago..Prayers and hugs to your family while going through this difficult time of transition.
JS
Juli Schwartzsmith
Other •
Victoria, Thomas, William and Melanie,
You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this time of loss. Take care of yourselves and be kind to one another. I wish you all peace and love.
Love you guys, "Aunt" Juli
MT
Mike Thomas
Other •
Tom, Vickie, Bill. and Mel, so sorry to hear about uncle Sig, I remember him giving me a ride in his airplane . Mike T
CP
Carole Frank née Pagel
Other •
Condolences to the entire Leskinen family. Have know Sig, Sonny as I always known him For 83 yrs Being cousins that lived only a few hours away saw them often when we were kids. RIP CUZ
DK
Debra kuharski
Other •
My condolences on Sig’s passing. I met Sig in August of 2018 when my two sons moved Into the house next door. He was the first neighbor to introduce himself. As a parent, I was happy to have my sons living next to a nice, friendly person. I looked forward to visiting with him every time I came to Madison. I remember one time after cutting the kid’s yard, Sig offered me his weed trimmer. He had replaced the string with zip ties and did that work well! sig mentioned he would be moving to an assisted living as soon as an opening became available. It wasn’t the same after he moved, he was missed ! A couple months ago, Sig drove back to Timothy Ave. to check on his house and pick up sticks in the yard. I was lucky to have been in Madison and able to visit with him one last time. We are now left with memories. We miss you Sig! Rest In Peace! Debbie Kuharski Alex & Andy
SS
Scott Stuckey
Other •
What a long full life Sig led. I drive by the old neighborhood every time I come to town. Just drove by when I was there last month, Sig’s house looked as good as it did when we were kids. It always made me smile to see the new camper sitting in the spot the old school bus was. Take care of yourselves old friends. RIP Sig. Condolences, Scott Stuckey.