Leola Ann (Lancour) Wiltzius, 85, of Negaunee, formerly of Wells, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2015 at Eastwood Nursing Home in Negaunee where she had lived for the past 16 months. She was born on February 23, 1930 in Osier, MI, the daughter of the late William and Eva (LaLonde) Lancour. On August 10, 1949 she married William J. Wiltzius at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Escanaba.
Leola attended Osier Elementary School and graduated as valedictorian from Rapid River High School in 1947. She briefly attended Cloverland Commercial College and worked for a short time at Prudential Insurance Company.
For the majority of her married life, Leola lived in Wells, providing a warm and loving home for her husband and daughter. She was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Parish serving in the Women’s Club and at funeral luncheons. For many years she coordinated the ‘silver dollar booth’ at the annual parish bazaar. She enjoyed keeping her home in immaculate condition, as well as sewing, crafts, cooking and camping at state parks throughout the Upper Peninsula. She especially enjoyed attending concerts, swimming and diving meets, and events for her grandchildren.
Leola is survived by her husband: William, daughter and son-in-law: Pamela (Kim) Erickson of Marquette, grandchildren: Nathan (Amelia) Erickson of Austin, Texas and Elizabeth Erickson of San Diego, California, her twin sister: Lela, and five other sisters: Lurline, Theresa, Phyllis, Wanda, Rita, and two brothers Wayne and Irving (Thomas).
She was preceded in death by her parents, six brothers: William, Ronald, Norman, Dale, Keith, Floyd and two sisters: Yvonne Montgomery and Judy Eagle.
Friends may call from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Monday April 13, 2015 at the Allo Coolman Funeral Home, 400 South 10th Street, Escanaba with the rosary being recited at 5:30 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday April 14, 2015 at St. Antony of Padua Parish, 6596 N. 3rd St., Wells with Rev. Rick Courier officiating. Burial will follow Mass in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery. A luncheon will be held in the church parish hall.
Please visit www.allofh.com to send online condolences to her family.
Her family wishes to especially thank the caring and compassionate staff at Eastwood Nursing Home for making Leola's life extra special for the past 16 months.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Activities Department at Eastwood Nursing Center, 900 Maas Street, Negaunee, MI, St. Anthony of Padua Parish, 6596 N. 3rd Street, Wells, MI, or St. Michael Parish, 401 West Kaye Avenue, Marquette, MI.
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"We will always have a special place in our hearts for Leola and many fond memories. Uncle Bill, Pam and family. There is no way to convey the loss. It is the people left behind that feel the loss and all we can say is we wish you the strength to go on knowing she is happy and at peace now with no pain. Tim DeRouin "
-Tim and Wendy DeRouin -
"Please accept our deepest sympathy for the loss of your Mother. You and your family are in our prayers."
-Sheila and Eugene Wickenheiser -
"My grandma and grandpa casey and my late aunt marlene and uncle bud lived by your parents for many years. they all spoke of how friendly they were and I also remember visiting them and they were very nice. So sorry we have to lose those we love so much. always Karen berro"
-karen berro
