LEITZKE, Willard "Bud" C., age 91

Died: Saturday, February 18th, 2017

Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 22, 2017 at Spirit Lutheran Church in Eau Claire with Reverend Roger Benrud officiating

Visitation: one hour prior to service at church on Wednesday

Interment: will be at a later date in Forest Hill Cemetery, Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Willard "Bud" Leitzke, age 91, of Eau Claire passed away on Saturday, February 18, 2017 at Dove Healthcare-West in Eau Claire.

Bud was born on May 20, 1925 to the late William and Julia (Klindt) Leitzke. He was the seventh of eight children raised in Colby and Augusta; graduating from Augusta High School in 1943. Bud was united in marriage to Violet Zillyette in Chippewa Falls on August 31, 1946.

For over 35 years Bud worked for the City of Eau Claire in the street and sewer division; retiring in October of 1989. He was an active member of Spirit Lutheran Church (formerly Our Saviors Lutheran Church). Bud loved being in the outdoors either working in the yard and garden, fishing, or deer hunting. Spending time with family was special to Bud whether at the family gatherings in Milwaukee or at the cottage on Lake Eau Claire.

Bud is survived by his wife of 70 years, Violet; sons, Duane (Rosemary) and Darrell (Mary) all of Eau Claire; grandchildren, Mike Leitzke of Amery, Lori Leitzke of New Richmond, and Lynn (Steve) Wallace of Shell Lake; great granddaughter (his Little Lady), Autumn Sky Wallace; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his sisters, Pearl, Irene, and Fern; brothers, Wilbur, Herb, LaVern, and Marvin.

Bud's family would like to thank Orchid Hills, Dove Healthcare-West, and St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate care.