Lyle A. “Bud” Leehe, age 79, died peacefully at his home near Danbury, WI on Wednesday, November 18, 2020.

Bud was born March 5, 1941 in Baldwin, WI to Lyle and Clarice “Toots” (Erickson) Leehe of Wilson, WI. He was baptized on June 2, 1941 and confirmed March 4, 1956 at Wilson Lutheran Church. He graduated with the Spring Valley High School Class of 1959.

Bud and JoAnn Nelson were married September 29, 1962, at Zion Lutheran Church in Woodville, WI, and blessed with son Steven in 1964, and daughter Brenda in 1967.

Bud was a mechanic most of his life, and ran his own repair shop in Wilson for many years. If it had an engine, he could fix it; anything from cars, tractors, and big trucks to little engines. He is said to have acquired his mechanic skills by taking apart machinery and putting it back together, hoping not to have too many parts left over on the garage floor.

In June 1986 Bud and Celia Furuholmen were married at Wilson Lutheran Church, moving to live near Danbury, WI.

While Bud enjoyed his mechanic work and the outdoors, his greatest love was for his children, grandchildren, and now great-grandchildren. He was very proud of Steve, who became a career Navy officer, and Brenda, who became an accomplished teacher. He found it joyful to brag about them and show lots of pictures.

Bud was a kind and generous man who was always willing to lend a helping hand. He enjoyed the outdoors for hunting, fishing, camping and living in the northern area of Wisconsin. One of his favorite places was Lake 26, where he took his children camping every summer and where he was fortunate enough to spend the last 35 years of his life.

Bud was preceded in death by his wife Celia, his parents Lyle and Clarice Leehe, and his brother Selmer “Sam” Leehe. He is survived by his children, Steve (Tess) Leehe of Jacksonville, FL, and Brenda James of Lincoln, CA; grandchildren Derrick (Mckenzie) Leehe of Jacksonville, FL, Nathan Leehe of Jacksonville, FL, Sean James of Lincoln, CA, and Emily James of Lincoln, CA; great grandchildren Vincent and Madilyn Leehe of Jacksonville, FL; sister Linda (Dean) Rambo of Spring Valley, WI; sister-in-law Janet Leehe of Amery, WI; nephew Brent Leehe of Superior, WI, and nieces Kristine Leehe of Amery, WI, DeeAnn Rambo of Spring Valley, WI, and Heidi (Darren) Peterson, of Spring Valley, WI, as well as numerous great nephews and nieces.

He will be interred near his parents at Spring Lake Cemetery in Spring Valley, WI.

Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, WI.

Last Update: Nov 23, 2020 1:23 pm CST