Catherine "Cathie" Leonard

Catherine "Cathie" Irene Leonard, age 83, of Stoughton, WI, passed away on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at Stoughton Hospital.  She was born January 12, 1940, in Berwyn, IL, to the late Frank and Irene (Shank) Scott.  She married Robert (Bob) Leonard on July 11, 1959, at Faith Lutheran Church in Brookfield, IL.

Cathie loved the Lord and His church, her family and friends, and music. She was a friendly, kind, loving person who spoke with anyone and made friends with everyone. She liked reading mystery novels, doing crossword puzzles, knitting, and keeping up with all the professional sports teams in Chicago.

Cathie lived in Brookfield, IL, for most of her life, until moving to Stoughton to be closer to family. She attended S.E. Gross grade school and Riverside-Brookfield High School. Cathie excelled in English and as a high soprano in the school choir. She and Bob raised two children, Gaye and Scott, and the family had a miniature schnauzer named Muffin.

As an active member of Faith Lutheran Church for over 70 years, Cathie played the organ and piano, directed and sang in the choir, and played in the handbell choir. She directed several Sunday School Christmas programs as well. Her love of music also included participation in area women’s choral groups: Mothers Singers, Noteworthies, and Village Vocal Chords (VVCs) barbershop chorus and a barbershop quartet.

While raising her family, she volunteered at church and her childrens’ schools. She was then employed by the philanthropy office at the Brookfield Zoo, and later was the Secretary at the United Methodist Church in town for 18 years until retirement.

Cathie and her family enjoyed many years of camping with a monthly camping group and at the Whiteface Reservoir campground in Minnesota where she played her guitar and sang around the campfire. She and her husband later camped at Hartman Creek State Park and then Deerhaven campground, both in Waupaca, WI. Cathie and Bob also enjoyed square dancing and round dancing. They also appreciated celebrating Thanksgivings with the Lehmans.

Cathie is survived by her devoted husband of over 63 years, Bob; her children Gaye Lehman (Bill) of Stoughton, WI, and Scott Leonard (Betsy Olson) of Shawnee, KS; her sister, Marilla (Jay) Svinicki of The Hills, TX; her granddaughter Michelle (Alex) Nelson of Leawood, KS; and her great grandchildren Olivia and John Nelson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association ( alz.org ), Share Food Share Love Food Pantry ( sharefoodsharelove.com ), and First Lutheran Church (music).

A service of praise to God for Catherine’s life will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at First Lutheran Church, 310 E. Washington St, Stoughton, with Rev. Richard Halom officiating.

Please share your memories of Cathie by sharing your memories on her Tribute Wall.

Cress Funeral Service

206 W. Prospect Street, PO Box 231, Stoughton

(608) 873-9244