Leslie A. Schwantes

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Leslie A. Schwantes, 89, of Horicon, born April 13, 1930, in Watertown, to Elmer and Regina (Hosig) Schwantes passed away on Tuesday, May 29, 2019, at Matthews of Horicon in Horicon.

Les lived almost his entire life in Horicon. He worked with German prisoners of war at the canning company while in high school. He graduated from Horicon High School in 1948.

He served in the Army in Korea on the front line for nine months.

He married Nancy C. Goodearle on October 5, 1957.

Les retired from John Deere Horicon Works in 1991.

He was a lifelong member of Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Horicon and served several duties including usher and trustee.

During retirement, Les and his wife Nancy traveled to almost all 50 states. Often when on a bus tour they would meet someone who was a ‘twin’ to someone in Horicon.

He is survived by his two daughters, Karen Meinke and Brenda (Jack) Utzerath; his four grandchildren, Emily (Andrew Muir) Utzerath, Chelsea (Sue Juedes) Utzerath, Andrea Meinke, and Chris (Julia) Meinke; his greatgranddaughter, Aubree Anne Meinke; two grandsons on the way, and further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Les was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 61 years, Nancy, on February 12, 2018; his brother, Merlin (Arleen); his sister, Elaine (Robert) Schwanke; and his son-in-law, Floyd Meinke.

Visitation tookplace on Monday, June 3, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Horicon.

A funeral service for Les took place on Monday, June 3, at 3 p.m. at the Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Horicon with the Rev. Sandra Scheible officiating. Inurnment will take place at a later date in Oakhill Cemetery in Horicon. Military Honors will be conducted by the Horicon American Legion Post #157.

Special thanks to the staff of Matthews of Horicon, Hillside Hospice, and Pastor Renae Dymond for their care and support shown to Les and his family.

Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Horicon is serving the family. For online condolences and other information please visit www.KoepsellFH. com.