Delores P. Leindecker, of Gillett, formerly of Merrill, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2015, at Serenity Gardens under the care of Hospice Services. She was born March 31, 1932, in Pound to the late Otto and Pearl (Wendt) Schaumberg. On June 4, 1955, she and Donald “Don” W. Leindecker were united in marriage. He preceded her in death on Dec. 3, 1991.
Delores graduated from Oconto Falls High School, Marinette County Teachers College and the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. She taught in the Merrill Area Public Schools for over 30 years, primarily as a second grade teacher at Pine River Elementary School. She devoted her talents to helping children get a strong educational, moral and ethical grounding, encouraging their innate goodness which delighted and inspired her.
Her lifelong faith and trust in God nourished her talents and was her compass in doing good. A decades long member of the Merrill Christian Science Society, she served as Sunday School teacher, Reader, Clerk and in many other activities, along with her close friends at the church.
Delores was a member, board member and past president of the Lincoln County Retired Educators Association (LCREA) and active in the 107 Homemakers Club. She had many hobbies over the years including downhill skiing, sewing clothes, making crafts and jewelry, gardening, canning vegetables and baking. She loved watching the birds and wildlife of Wisconsin. And of course, she was an avid Green Bay Packer fan.
Delores was a seasoned traveler, enjoying trips across the globe as far away as Alaska, Hawaii and Hong Kong. Domestic trips included numerous visits to family in New England, South Dakota, Minnesota and other destinations around the country. She got her motorcycle license in middle years, enjoying local trips with Don. On her last visit to Hawaii a few years ago she chose to go zip lining!
Her family includes son, James (Linda) Leindecker, Abrams; daughters, Kathy (Mark) Reid, Hong Kong and Jeanne (David) Evans, Sutton, Massachusetts; grandson, Darren (special friend Melissa and her children Cole and Kiley), Buyck, Minnesota; brother, Lloyd (the late Ronna) Schaumberg, Krakow; brothers-in-law, Robert (Evelyn) Leindecker, Kenneth Leindecker; many nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Don, sisters LaVerne (Ervin) Wekwert and Alva Shutic, brother, Fred Schaumberg, and sister-in-law, Ronna.
Funeral services for Delores were held at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 16, at Waid Funeral Home. Visitation was held from 10-11 a.m. Monday and also from 4-7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Delores to H.A.V.E.N. Inc, T.B. Scott Free Library, or the Merrill Historical Society. Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.
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