Leila J. Leisch

Leila Joanne (York) Leisch, of Waukesha County, Wisconsin, passed away on December 15, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Born on June 20, 1933, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Leila was the daughter of James T. and Eva A. (Bayer) York. She grew up in the village of St. Martins in the town of Franklin and graduated from Pulaski High School in 1951. Following her calling to serve others, she completed her Nursing Degree at the Milwaukee County Hospital School of Nursing in 1954. Over the course of her distinguished career, she worked at several Milwaukee-area hospitals before becoming Head of Infection Control at Waukesha Memorial Hospital, a role to which she devoted herself for more than 25 years.

For sixty years, Leila made her home in New Berlin, Wisconsin, where she and her husband raised their family and built a warm, welcoming household filled with love, humor, and steadfast support. She was an avid gardener and a dedicated member of the Milwaukee Area Master Gardeners Volunteer Program.

Leila was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Owen B. Leisch (2013); her daughter, Jonell Leisch (2024); and her brothers, Bruce and Donald. She is survived by her children, Steven (Monica), Randall (Mary Jo), and Dawn (Rogier); her grandchildren, Erik (Stacey) and Alex (Cassie); and six great-grandchildren, all of whom will carry her memory forward with deep affection.

The family wishes to thank the caregivers at Linden Grove Mukwonago and Mission Creek Waukesha, where Leila resided during her illness, as well as the Brighton Hospice staff who provided compassionate care during her final days.

Visitation and Funeral Services will be held at Krause Funeral Home, 12401 West National Avenue, New Berlin, Wisconsin, on Sunday, December 28, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:45 AM with the Service to begin at 12:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Leila’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association.