Obituary
John “Jack” Leifer
John “Jack” Plenke Leifer, age 90, of La Crosse, WI passed away on Thursday, May 16th, 2024, at Riverside Transitional Care in La Crosse.
He was born on April 17th, 1934, to Norbert and Violet (Plenke) Leifer. He married Joan Reynolds on August 24th, 1957, in Madison, WI.
Jack graduated from Westby High School in 1952 and from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in electrical engineering in 1957. He served in the United States Air Force before returning to Wisconsin to begin a career spanning 38 years with Dairyland Power Cooperative. Jack enjoyed many hours with friends on local and distant golf courses and was a 50-year National Ski Patrol member on the slopes of Mt. La Crosse.
Jack is survived by his son Daniel (Susan) Leifer, daughter Kristen (William) Prins, daughter-in-law Bonice Leifer Sipley; grandchildren Danielle (fiancé Kevin Hartman) Runyan, Megan Leifer, Ian Leifer and David Leifer; greatgrandchildren Finnegan Runyan, Ella Leifer, James Giefer-Hartman, cousin and good friend Skip Leifer and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Norbert and Violet, wife Joan, son Michael, sister Mary Lynn and special friend Barbara Raymond.
The family would like to thank the staff at Riverside Transitional Care for the wonderful care they provided Jack over the past five years.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Gundersen Medical Foundation.
Family and friends are invited for a gathering on Friday, June 21st from 10:00 – Noon at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason St., Onalaska, WI, 54650. Burial with full military honors will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Mormon Coulee Memorial Park, N1137 Bloomer Rd, La Crosse, WI, 54601.
Jack retired before I came to Dairyland but I enjoyed our many visits over the years and he was a legend on behalf of cooperative members. My sympathy to his family.
Dan and Sue and family…so sorry for the loss of your father, grandfather. Sympathies and prayers for comfort sent your way.
Dan, sue, and family. Please accept my condolences on the loss of your father / grandfather. I’m out of town or I would come and offer my condolences in person.
Jack was like an uncle to me and my brother. He worked with our father for many years at Dairyland power. He came down with my father to North Carolina for many years for golf trips as well as one amazing trip to Scotland. He was a great, good natured and optimistic kind of guy.