Leland Walter Zibrowski

Leland Walter Zibrowski went home to heaven on September 16, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. His life was one of devotion — to his loved ones, his faith, his work, and his community.

Born on November 22, 1929, in Caledonia, Minnesota, to Arthur and Edna (Rusert) Zibrowski, Leland grew up on the family farm in Hokah. Life on the farm taught him the value of hard work, humility, and the simple joys of rural life.

After leaving the farm, Leland joined the Trane Company as a welding inspector in La Crosse, Wisconsin. In March of 1951, he joined the service, enlisting in the Army during the Korean War. He returned home in March of 1953 with an honorable discharge and resumed his work at Trane, where he dedicated 44 years of service before retiring at age 61.

On August 19, 1956, Leland married his beloved “Avalon Girl,” Rose Marie Meyer. Together they built their life in Hokah, raising five children and creating a life filled with laughter, music, and faith. Their 26 years of marriage were a testament to partnership and devotion. During Rose’s courageous 18 month battle with cancer, Leland cared for her with a tenderness and steadfastness that inspired everyone who witnessed it. She went to heaven in December of 1982.

In 1990, Leland moved to La Crescent. On April 27, 2001, he married Carol Jean Walter, and together they shared 25 years of companionship, travel, and family gatherings — especially at the annual Apple Festival Parade, which became a tradition.

Leland found joy in golf, hunting, and the outdoors, but nothing compared to the time he spent with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. His gentle humor, warm hugs, and steady presence endeared him to the children.

His work extended beyond Trane. He served families through Winona Monument Company, helped guide the cremation process at Wieser Precast, and poured his heart into Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hokah. As President of the Church Council and longtime leader of the Sunday School program, Leland touched countless lives. His beautiful baritone voice filled the sanctuary with hymns that lifted spirits and comforted hearts.

Leland also served his community through the Hokah Lions Club, supporting those with vision impairment, and as a Charter Member of the La Crescent VFW — roles that reflected his lifelong commitment to helping others.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Harold (Phyllis), Ronald, Wilfred, Leslie (Janet), Norman, Richard, and Henry (Sharon); his sister Mae Odette (Gene); his brother in law Gene Yanzer; his very close friend and brother-in-law Darrell Meyer; and many other beloved in laws. Recently, he also mourned the loss of two great granddaughters, Lucy Pieper Zibrowski and Brynlee Rose Tauscher, whom he is now joyfully greeting in heaven.

Leland is survived by his wife Carol; his children Garland (Wendy Hecht) Zibrowski, Bart (Kay Lambrecht) Zibrowski, Patsy (Ted) Tauscher, Loran (Terry Dahms) Zibrowski, and Karen (Brian) Halvorson; 13 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; his sister Deloros Yanzer; sister in law Maureen Zibrowski; many nieces and nephews; and Carol’s three sons and their families. His legacy lives on in each of them — in their stories, their laughter, and the values he quietly taught by example.

Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on September 30, 2026, at Schumacher Kish Funeral Home in La Crosse, Wisconsin, 200 West Avenue South. On October 1, 2026 at 11 a.m., a Celebration of Life hosted by Carol and Lee’s children will take place at the La Crescent Area Event Center, 595 Veterans Pkwy. Carol and Lee’s children invite you to a reception following the Celebration of Life at the Event Center. Lee will be laid to rest at Mount Hope Cemetery in a private burial service.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Emplify by Gundersen Hospice and Creamery Creek Senior Living in Stoddard, Wisconsin, for their compassionate care. Memorials may be sent to these organizations in honor of Leland’s life of kindness and service.