January 4, 2024 – West Bend, WI – James W. “Jim” Leege, 90, of West Bend, passed away on December 31, 2023.
Jim was born on April 15, 1933, in Milwaukee, the son of the late Norman and Ella (nee Benesh) Leege. He was a 1955 graduate of Oklahoma State University where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Following college, he was drafted and proudly served his country for two years in the U.S. Navy Seabees as a surveyor.
On November 26, 1960, he was united in marriage to Mary Koltes at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Milwaukee. She preceded Jim in death on November 16, 2011. Jim was employed at Rexnord Corporation in Milwaukee for 39 years where he held various positions including Manager of Product Development, Assistant Chief Engineer, and Senior Project Engineer. Jim proudly was a co-holder of four Chain or Sprocket Patents. He was the author of numerous internal technical manuals and was a presenter of many training sessions for customer engineering personnel and sales engineers.
Jim’s favorite place to go with his family was at his Bass Lake cottage in Lakewood where he spent numerous years creating many memories with his wife, kids, and friends. He taught his children how to water ski and enjoyed all aspects of living on the lake. Jim enjoyed grilling and every Sunday after church he would make an entire pancake breakfast for his family. Jim was a geography and history buff, particularly during the Second World War. Throughout his adult life, he enjoyed lap swimming at the Y in West Bend, which he continued into his mid-80s. Above all else, Jim’s greatest accomplishment and pride were his children and grandchildren.
Those Jim leaves behind to cherish his memory include three children, Jeanine (Tony) Leege-Jankowski of Neenah, Joe (Jeanne) Leege of Appleton and Teresa (Ed) Meltz of Kewaskum; seven grandchildren, Alec, Erika, Kalyn, Meredith, Vincent, Gavin and Rebecca; his siblings, Betty Roeser, Tom (Carolyn) Leege, and Bill (Sheri) Leege; a sister-in-law, Elsa Leege; a brother-in-law, Don Hoesley; other relatives and friends.
In addition to his wife and parents, Jim was preceded in death by a brother, John Leege; an infant sister, Kathleen Leege; two brothers-in-law, Lee Anderson and Walt Roeser; a sister-in-law, Nancy Hoesley.
VISITATION: Jim’s family will greet relatives and friends at Holy Angels Catholic Church, 138 N. 8th Avenue, in West Bend, Wisconsin on Friday, January 5, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m.
SERVICE: A Memorial Mass for Jim will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday at Holy Angels Catholic Church in West Bend. Burial with military honor rites will take place the following day at 11 a.m. at St. Mary of the Lakes Cemetery in Lakewood, WI.
Memorials to Lakes County Public Library or St. Mary of the Lake, both of Lakewood, are appreciated.
The family would like to thank his daughter, Teresa for her love and care since Mary’s passing.
