About a week ago I was looking at our list of "Missing Classmates", and I looked for Phyllis Leonard as I was remembering some things about her, and I wondered if she was listed (she was a missing classmate, I think) and I wondered where she was these days. Would've loved to have connected with her but had no clue where she was or if she came to any of the later reunions. Last time I saw her was at the Memorial Union (Student Union) in Madison while I was at the UW and it was a chance meeting. I think she was there to see Carmen Gauthier who also was enrolled at UW and whom I car pooled with a few times back to Antigo.
Always loved the two of them. Something Phyllis told me a looonnngg..... time me ago came back into my heart and thoughts and I was wondering if she recalled our Sr. High and early college connects. So sad to hear of her passing. I'll look for her obituary. and remembering what she wrote (and drew) in my Senior Yearbook (she was a very good artist too). Stay well my classmate friends and stay well for all your families too. I'll miss her kinetic personality, boundless energy and her smile. Respectfully, Larry
Phyllis was one of my best friends through high school and far into adulthood. We tried to get together whenever I was back visiting. We did a pretty good job of it, until recent years. The last time I saw her was in Wausau about 3 years ago. She was a force!! Beautiful, talented and a true friend. I will miss her very much. Rest in peace, my dear friend.
I remember Phyllis so clearly and I knew she was struggling with health issues. I hadn't heard anything recently, but I am so sad to hear she has passed. Phyllis had a very difficult life with loss of family members, loss of her home due to fire and other issues. But I remember her as a fun loving classmate at St John grade school; I would often go home with her after school and she would make us malts - yum!! She could do that because her mom wasn't home from work yet. I truly hope she is at peace now and resting after a long, often difficult journey. Prayers & blessings for her now.
Awh, Phyllis! You were such a good friend! Sooo many memories of high school,college, and beyond! We had many deep conversations. You were a character and I loved that! Be at peace now.
This is one of those that hits close to home. I have so many special memories hanging out with the fun and fabulous Phyllis Leonard, both in high school and later in college on visits. She was very unique, loving, full of spark and life, always genuine, and always true to herself. I saw her name on the missing persons list and often wondered how to find her. I regret that we had lost touch over the years. She was a very special soul and will be very much missed by all of those who were lucky to be part of her life. Peace my dear friend.
Yes, thanks Larry for posting the obituary link. Phyllis struggled with Alzheimer's in the last few years of her life,but the last time I saw her, she was just as fiesty as ever!! RIP dear friend!
Larry Legro
About a week ago I was looking at our list of "Missing Classmates", and I looked for Phyllis Leonard as I was remembering some things about her, and I wondered if she was listed (she was a missing classmate, I think) and I wondered where she was these days. Would've loved to have connected with her but had no clue where she was or if she came to any of the later reunions. Last time I saw her was at the Memorial Union (Student Union) in Madison while I was at the UW and it was a chance meeting. I think she was there to see Carmen Gauthier who also was enrolled at UW and whom I car pooled with a few times back to Antigo.
Always loved the two of them. Something Phyllis told me a looonnngg..... time me ago came back into my heart and thoughts and I was wondering if she recalled our Sr. High and early college connects. So sad to hear of her passing. I'll look for her obituary. and remembering what she wrote (and drew) in my Senior Yearbook (she was a very good artist too). Stay well my classmate friends and stay well for all your families too. I'll miss her kinetic personality, boundless energy and her smile. Respectfully, Larry
Christine Schimmels (Spute)
Phyllis was one of my best friends through high school and far into adulthood. We tried to get together whenever I was back visiting. We did a pretty good job of it, until recent years. The last time I saw her was in Wausau about 3 years ago. She was a force!! Beautiful, talented and a true friend. I will miss her very much. Rest in peace, my dear friend.
Marlene Malzahn (Nuthals)
I remember Phyllis so clearly and I knew she was struggling with health issues. I hadn't heard anything recently, but I am so sad to hear she has passed. Phyllis had a very difficult life with loss of family members, loss of her home due to fire and other issues. But I remember her as a fun loving classmate at St John grade school; I would often go home with her after school and she would make us malts - yum!! She could do that because her mom wasn't home from work yet. I truly hope she is at peace now and resting after a long, often difficult journey. Prayers & blessings for her now.
Georgina Johnson (Bullis)
Awh, Phyllis! You were such a good friend! Sooo many memories of high school,college, and beyond! We had many deep conversations. You were a character and I loved that! Be at peace now.Carmen Gauthier (Kobacker)
This is one of those that hits close to home. I have so many special memories hanging out with the fun and fabulous Phyllis Leonard, both in high school and later in college on visits. She was very unique, loving, full of spark and life, always genuine, and always true to herself. I saw her name on the missing persons list and often wondered how to find her. I regret that we had lost touch over the years. She was a very special soul and will be very much missed by all of those who were lucky to be part of her life. Peace my dear friend.
Larry Legro
Here is the Hudson WI obit for Phyllis (Leonard) Bretches:
So true and it made me smile as it summed up her profile just as I pictured it for her.
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/phyllis-bretches-obituary?id=56825036
Larry Legro
Christine Schimmels (Spute)
Yes, thanks Larry for posting the obituary link. Phyllis struggled with Alzheimer's in the last few years of her life,but the last time I saw her, she was just as fiesty as ever!! RIP dear friend!
Deanna Degenhardt (Schroepfer)
Yes, this one does sting. I remember the very first time I saw Phyllis.
The parochial schools sent their pre high school age girls to the Jr. High for home economics class.
It was a nice way to bridge our eight years in grade school and moving onto High School.
Phyllis did stand out in the class and once we entered our Freshman year we became fast friends.
We shared many memories throughout our years in High School.
She was a free spirit, highly intelligent, funny, and had a caring heart.
Life was not always easy, but she managed to carry on the best she could with the support of her long time friends.
Phyllis left her mark on those who knew her best and she was one of a kind. She will be missed., The memories we have shared will forever be with me.