Lawrence "LeRoy" Longseth

MONONA - Lawrence "LeRoy" Longseth, age 96, of Monona, passed away on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the Agrace Hospice Inpatient Unit. He was born April 18, 1928, in Dodgeville, Wis., the son of Lester and Hilda (Johnson) Longseth. Born of Norwegian parents, his DNA testing had him as 97% Norwegian.

LeRoy was the eldest son of six siblings. His father was a dairy farmer, renting various farms in Southwest Wisconsin. One of the farms Lester rented was later incorporated into a Wisconsin State Park, Governor Dodge State Park. The barn still stands today. In 1950 his father died of a blood clot to the heart at age 44. Two months later LeRoy was drafted into the U.S. Army. His mom eventually moved to Cincinnati Street in Spring Green to raise her young family. She was a strong woman of faith and did the hard work of raising her children as a single mom.

LeRoy was a graduate of Spring Green High School. He went on to serve in the U.S. Army during the Korean War 1950-1952. He was always proud of his service. About 10 years ago he was able to participate in the Badger Honor flight, a very meaningful experience for him. His daughter, Julie, joined him on this wonderful adventure. He was a member of the VFW on Cottage Grove Road and in McFarland.

On September 4, 1954, he married Elaine (Urfer) in Barneveld, going on to share 70 years of marriage. In 1958 they moved to Monona to raise their children. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought a great deal of joy and fun into his life. He enjoyed giving them rides in his model A and taking them camping and fishing. LeRoy enjoyed a long career as a meat cutter, and then in packaging at Oscar Mayer until his retirement in 1987. He then went on to work part time for the Shaw Company, a real estate management company, working until he turned 70.

LeRoy was a member of the Wisconsin Model A Restorers Club - Madison and the Southern Wisconsin Area. He told us for many years, "When I retire, I want to restore a Model A car." And he did. He restored two Model A's, a 1929 and a 1931, Coupe and a Sedan. He was proud of his trophies won at various car shows. LeRoy and Elaine participated in the Monona Memorial Day Parade for many years and enjoyed touring the Midwest with their Model A friends.

LeRoy also enjoyed bowling (we watched a lot of bowling on tv as children). He scored over 600 many times and kept the newspaper stats with his name. His Grandpa Johnson taught him how to play a mean game of horseshoes. He won many tournaments through the years. In his younger years he enjoyed playing basketball, softball, and deer hunting with the Eddie Crook family. In his later years, into his mid-80s, he stayed active, walking two miles almost daily near his home or at East Towne Mall during the winter. He also enjoyed camping trips all over the U.S. and some parts of Canada. Family Euchre games and weekly games at the VFW was always a fun time. He was a handyman - he could fix anything!

During the last several years of his life, he received excellent care from a number of dedicated, compassionate and unwavering caregivers. His family wishes to thank Justyna from Good People, who helped us find Mogi, our first live-in caregiver. Tugu (Mike) was his second live-in caregiver since June of 2022. Tugu and my dad had a very special relationship, like grandfather and grandson. Also, we want to thank his many part-time caregivers including Crystal, Reva, Choi, Nara and Tume. His family is also deeply grateful for the dedicated team at Agrace Hospice, with special thanks to Mallory, his nurse of two years, Jennifer and all the many other nurses and staff who were available to us all hours of the day and night. Big thank you to all of the family and friends for visiting, bringing food, cards, handmade banners and for all your support through the years. You know who you are.

LeRoy is survived by his daughters, Julie (Bob) Olson and Joni (Jim) Harris; grandchildren, Matthew (Sherri) Riggle, Misty Pilger, Tess (Ryan Witzigmann) Olson, Joshua Harris, Joy Harris, Jaclyn Harris and Jonathon Harris; great-grandchildren, Forrest Riggle, Theodore Riggle, Carter Witzigmann and Sawyer Witzigmann; sister, Linda (Marty) Kraemer; and brother-in-law, Buzz Beatty. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Elaine June Longseth; son, Larry John Longseth; sisters, Betty (Roger) Wilhelm, Jean Beatty, Doris (Eddie) Crook and Carolyn (Jim) Hackl; and brother, John Longseth. He adored his late cat, “Snoop."

Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 12:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 3, 2025. Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens with Military Rites being conducted.

A combined memorial service for LeRoy and Elaine will be held at MADISON COMMUNITY SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH, 1926 Elka Lane, Madison, at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. Visitation will be held at the church from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday. A luncheon to follow.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420