Leah Janet (Gaetzke) Pawlisch

Leah Janet Pawlisch, age 88, of Brodhead, passed away on Thursday, October 10, 2013, at the Monroe Clinic Hospital, Monroe, WI. She was born on June 25, 1925 in North Freedom, WI, the daughter of John and Agnes (Seils) Gaetzke. Leah graduated from the North Freedom High School in 1943. She was enrolled as a student in the first class of the U.S. Cadet Nurse program in 1944 at the Methodist Hospital School of Nursing in Madison, WI during World War II, graduating as an RN in 1947. On June 22, 1951 she married Ronaldean �Dean� Pawlisch in North Freedom, WI. They resided in St. Paul, MN for 3 years where she pursued her career in nursing while Dean completed his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. In 1954 they moved to Brodhead, WI where she resided for the remainder of her life. She assisted Dean with the office business and volunteered extensively in the community and school. She served as a Girl Scout leader, Cub Scout leader and 4-H leader. Being an American Red Cross Nurse, she co-chaired the Brodhead Blood Mobile for 20 years. Leah was a member of the Juda Baptist Church in Juda, WI from 1955 until its closing in 1990. She taught Sunday School there for 30 years plus served in various offices within the Women�s Missionary Society, both local and district, along with local church offices. At the time of her death, Leah had been a member of the Brodhead United Methodist Church, since 1990, serving as an officer and on many committees in various capacities. She enjoyed Green County Homemakers and was a contributing member for 59 years. As a member of the American Legion Auxiliary - Post 197, she served as President. Leah had taught wild game cooking classes and enjoyed cake decorating. She loved her family and being a caregiver to help others. Children were especially precious to her. She is survived by her husband, Ronaldean �Dean�; two sons, Ray (Carol) Pawlisch, Brodhead, Kim Pawlisch, Madison, WI; a daughter, Debra (Paul) Chotlos, Madison, WI; five grandchildren, Benjamin (Andrea) and Dean (Joanna) Pawlisch, Anna, Nathaniel, and Matthew Chotlos; and a great-granddaughter, Audrey Leah Pawlisch. She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Rita Faivre, two brothers, Robert �Bud� and Erwin Gaetzke, and a foster sister, Freda Stombaugh. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, October 15, 2013, at the United Methodist Church, Brodhead, WI. Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. until 7:30 p.m., Monday, at the D.L. NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, BRODHEAD, WI. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Brodhead, WI.�

Leah Janet (Gaetzke) Pawlisch

June 25, 1925 - October 10, 2013