On the morning of April 5th, 2021 heaven received the perfect angel. Beth (Felde) Leis passed away at Bethany Riverside from complications of a severe stroke at the age of 88.
Beth was born on February 1st, 1933 on a farm near Red Mound, WI to Selmer and Bernice (Johnson) Felde. Beth later met and married LaVern Leis on November 11th, 1952. They had 5 children and raised their family in several houses in the Vernon and Crawford county areas before settling for good in Stoddard, WI. Beth was a waitress at Sylvan Glen’s and Rocky’s restaurants for over 20 years. She later worked at Gundersen Lutheran in housekeeping until she retired. Several years after her husband LaVern’s death, she met Dave Rath and they spent the last 20 years together.
Beth was a wonderful cook (even though she would always say “that she didn’t think the food was very good”). She was known for her Head Cheese. She made Lutefisk and Lefse for Christmas, but would make “deer balls” for her outlaws. She would keep fried donuts and homemade cookies on hand for the entire family for when they would visit.
Beth was a member of the Red Hats Society and Lioness’ in Stoddard. She volunteered at the SBFD Labor Day Celebration and at the election polls for many years. She loved to go to the casinos and usually came away a winner. She did not like the time of the month when the full moon occurred.
Beth is survived by her children, Dennis Leis (Rose Ann Hammes), Rod Leis (Lois), Karen Calkins (Tony), Shari Paulsrud (Mike) and Dan Leis (Zoe Ann), her grandchildren, Jeremy Leis, Kim Sires (Tim), Adam Hammes, Gabe Gray (Shannon), Melissa Gerrits (Mike), Andrea Blenka (Justin), Brad Paulsrud (Kirsten), Christina Bauer (Travis), Brian Paulsrud (Olivia), Tyler Leis (Rachel), Zach Leis, Jared Leis (Sara Severson) and Alana Leis, and her great-grandchildren Austin, Coltin, Payton, Jerome, Caden, Stella, Anika, Lila and Drew. She is also survived by her brother Wyman Felde (Janet) and partner Dave Rath.
Beth was preceded in death by her parents, Selmer and Bernice, her husband LaVern and her granddaughter Amanda Calkins.
Beth was the most selfless, wonderful, amazing and fun woman. She raised an amazing family and she will forever hold a place in the heart’s of everyone who had the privilege of calling her Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma, Mother-in-Law, Sister and Friend. She will be dearly missed. “Anyway!!”
The family would like to thank the staffs at Gundersen Lutheran and Bethany Riverside for their compassionate care of their mother.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, April 8, 2021, in Mary Mother of the Church Parish, 2006 Weston St., La Crosse. Rev. Brian D. Konopa will officiate with burial to be held in the Stoddard Cemetery. Family and friends may visit from 9:00 AM until the time of Mass at Church on Thursday. Masks and appropriate social distancing will be required.
A livestream of the Mass can be found at http://mmoclacrosse.org/ for those unable to attend.
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