Obituary: Cleo Arla (Williams) Leonard

Cleo Arla (Williams) Leonard, a lifelong resident of Waukesha was born on Sept. 20, 1923, and died in the early hours of March 21, 2012, with family at her side.  For the past few years she had been a resident of LindenGrove in Waukesha.

Cleo is survived by three sons, Steven (Susan) Leonard, Hortonville, WI; Thomas (Eileen Laird) Leonard, Boone NC; and David (Laura) Leonard, Waukesha.  Seven grandchildren:  Lisa (Doug) Coenen, Hortonville, WI; Eric (Sarah) Leonard. Hortonville, WI; Nora Leonard, Barling, AR; Jasmine (Nathan) Olson, Olathe, KS; Brook Leonard, Fort Smith, AR; Jessica Leonard, Milwaukee, WI and Rhett Leonard, Watertown, WI; and 10 great grandchildren.  Cleo is further survived by one sister, Gayle Lierk, sisters and brothers-in-law, Joe and DeAnn Leonard, Donald and Judy Leonard, Garney Leonard, Sally Leonard, Betty Teschendorf and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Cleo was preceded in death by her husband, James, two daughters-in-law, Karen and Joanne, parents, Jesse and Nora Williams; James’ parents, William and Ema Leonard, mother-in-law, Etta Leonard; brother-in law, Harry Lierk; brothers- and sisters-in-law, William Leonard, Jerry Leonard, Robert Leonard, and John and Helen Leonard.

Cleo was an expert seamstress and loved to knit and crochet.  She will truly be missed for her tasteful kitchen creations – especially her "Black Midnight Chocolate Cake", pies, waffles, and malts that when you tipped the glass up-side-down, the malt never fell out!  Cleo loved to play cards and checkers – especially with the grandkids.

The visitation for Cleo will be held on Saturday, March 24, 2012 from 11:30 a.m. until the 1 p.m. memorial service at 237 N. Moreland Blvd., Waukesha, WI 53188.  The Rev. Kevin Barnekow will officiate.  Burial will immediately follow at Prairie Home Cemetery in Waukesha. 

Cesarz, Charapata & Zinnecker Funeral Home is serving the family.   For the online obituary, directions or cards of condolence, please visit www.WaukeshasFuneralHome.com  or for further information call the funeral home at 262-542-6609.