Obituary
Katherine Jane Leonard-Wastlund
Katherine Jane Leonard-Wastlund, 78, of La Crosse, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2016 at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse. She was born on January 30, 1937 to Jack and Marguerite Cook. She married David Leonard in 1958. She later married Kenneth Wastlund on August 24, 2002.
Jane graduated from Southeast High School in Kansas City, MO and received her nursing degree from Research Hospital School of Nursing in Kansas City, MO. She worked as a nurse for 35 years at Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse. Following her retirement, she volunteered at St. Claire’s Mission and was site manager at Harry J. Olson Senior Center noon lunch program for the La Crosse County Aging Department.
Jane was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She loved making holidays special events and always made everyone feel welcomed and loved. She especially loved dressing up for Halloween, decorating, and making cookies for Christmas. Jane also loved taking family photos and pictures of her many travels and created wonderful scrapbooks that are keepsakes for our family.
Jane is survived by her husband, Ken; three children, Kathy (Greg) McGinn, Michael Leonard, Julie (Brett) Welch; grand daughters, Ellie and Anna Welch; three step daughters, Joan Devine, Carolyn Wastlund, Connie Sheard; seven step grand children; and many other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, January 16, 2016 at First Congregational Church in La Crosse with visitations from 1:00 pm until the time of the service and immediately following the service in the church community room. Pastor Dan Geslin will officiate.
In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to First Congregational Church, La Crosse Public Library, or St. Claire’s Mission.
Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.
Julie, I have been out of town and just found out about your mom. My heart goes out to you! She was a special person . She loved your daughters. You will see her again some day without sickness. What a happy day that will be for you!! Until then, may God’s comfort hold you.