Shirley A. Leer

Shirley Ann Leer, 74, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, September 12, 2024, surrounded by her family following a battle with cancer. She was born to Kenneth and Ruth Marcum on July 1, 1950. She married Dwight Leer on December 2, 1966, in Lebanon, MO. After marriage she worked at HD Lee Factory in Lebanon, MO. In 1973, she and Dwight decided they would like to make a change with their occupations and made the move to Wisconsin to start a dairy farm. She thought a farm would be a great place to raise her children, giving her the ability to be with them everyday. In 1977, they made the move to Readstown, WI and continued to dairy farm until 1997 when they sold the dairy cows. She went on to work a few jobs here and there and retired as a bookkeeper for her son’s dairy.

She loved her life as a farmer. It gave her the opportunity to work side by side her husband and children. She loved gardening and tractor pulls and was even known to take a trophy or 2 home herself.  She was never a fan of Winter but did enjoy snowmobiling and even raced a few times taking some wins there as well. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the apple in her eye. She enjoyed every moment she got to spend with them. She will be missed dearly by her family and all those who knew her.

She is survived by Dwight, her loving husband of 57 years; her daughter Kim Downing (Wayn) of Cashton, WI; son Chris Leer (Chris) of Readstown, WI; grandchildren: Calista Jilek (Jon), Lauren Dunn (Matt), LeAnn Downing (Jerry Yoder), Collin Leer (Jessie), Casey Leer (Brianna), Cammie Leer; and 15 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; brother-in-law Melvin Watson; grandson Cole Leer; brother Carl Marcum; sisters Janet Lewis and Peggy Howard; and sister-in-law Phyl Marcum.

The family would like to extend a thank you to Gundersen Lutheran Hospice, with special thank you to Jason and Doris for the care they provided Mom in her final days, Pastor Mark Phillips, and Roth Cremation Center for all their kindness and support they have given during this most difficult time, as well all the family and friends that called, texted, sent cards or simply said a prayer. We can not thank all of you enough.

The family of Shirley Leer

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at the Readstown Advancement Building at 11 a.m. with Pastor Mark Phillips officiating.  A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until time of service.  Burial will take place in the South Kickapoo Cemetery. 

The Roth Family Cremation Center and Funeral Services is assisting the family.