JEAN LEPPIAHO

 Jean Leppiaho, age 89 of Neenah, passed away peacefully at her home Sunday, September 23, 2018, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born May 25, 1929 to the late Margaret Schabacker and Norval Robb Craig in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She matriculated with her BSN from the University of Western Toronto, School of Nursing, in 1951. Upon completion of school, she became a traveling nurse.  She started her career at Vancouver General Hospital and then to Leahi Hospital (TB Sanitarium) in Honolulu, Hawaii.  There she met the love of her life, a Station Naval Sailor, Emil Leppiaho of Crystal Fall, MI at the USO dances, where he was stationed in the Navy. She then returned to Canada to work at Toronto General Hospital, and during that time she and Emil communicated via letters. The two of them married September 6, 1958.

Jean and Emil started their family in Marquette, MI where she was a nurse at Marquette General Hospital. There they had their first child. Soon after, they relocated to Munising, MI where they had their second, and then to Norway, MI where their third was born. In 1969 they moved to Neenah so Emil could continue his teaching career. Here she became a loving housewife who was completely dedicated to her family.

In Neenah, Jean became an active member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church and was a member of the “Quilters.”  She was also a member of a local “Homemakers Group.” She was a lover of nature, enjoyed swimming, walking, skiing, camping, coffee and chocolate, and life and laughter. She lived by the mantra: “Take time to laugh; it is the music of the soul.” She even founded the family “Giggling Girls Club” that was comprised of her beloved nieces: Margaret, Jane, and Martha, and was later joined by her granddaughters, Hailey and Keely.

Jean was loved by her husband of 60 years, Emil; her children: Cathy (John Head) Leppiaho; Emily (Tom) Krueger, and their children Kyle (Stephanie), their children: Mikayla and Bailey; and Craig (Rachel) Krueger and their children: Levi and Emalie; Peggy (Brian) Dorn and their children: Hailey and Keely Dorn. She is survived by her sister, Margaret Burgess and her children: Margaret (William) Frankovich, Jane (Karl Stevens) Burgess, and Martha Burgess.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Emily, and her brother-in-law, William Burgess.

A memorial service for Jean will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, October 2, 2019 at St. Mark Lutheran Church 140 S. Green Bay Rd., Rev. Bob Wilkinson officiating. A visitation will be held at church from 9:00 A.M. until the hour of service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Jean's name.

The family would like to extend a warm thank you the nurses and staff of both the Neenah and Appleton campuses of ThedaCare, as well as ThedaCare at Home Hospice for all of the compassion and care in keeping Jean comfortable.