Eunice Catherine Leemon

Eunice Catherine Leemon, 105, died peacefully Dec. 6, 2025. The daughter of William and Agnes (Rademacher) VanDyke, was born November 25, 1920 in Kaukauna, WI. The youngest of three children, Eunice graduated from St. Mary’s School then Kaukauna High School in 1939. She was frequently seen ushering or behind the ticket counter at the Vaudette Theatre, which her father owned and operated. She saw the emergence from vaudeville and silent films to big screen TV’s and the iPad which she thoroughly enjoyed. After high school she volunteered for the American Red Cross in Appleton, WI. From 1942 to 1946, she was employed by the Kaukauna Times Newspaper. She enjoyed being a reporter but also filled in as office secretary and proof reader.

In 1946 she met the love of her life, Richard J Leemon. They wed on July 25, 1946 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Kaukauna. In 1948 they moved to L’Anse, a small village in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where her husband, along with his father Harry and brother Tom owned and operated Leemon’s Department Store. In 1973 Dick and Eunice became sole owners of the store and retired in 1982. They were quite active in L’Anse, raising their family, operating the store, enjoying both winter and summer sports, volunteering and traveling. She had a love of cooking and enjoyed her independence. Visits from their children and grand children were special times. Eunice was active in Triad, Red Hat Society, St. Rita’s Circle, Eagles Auxiliary, L’Anse Senior Center, the Art Angels and St. Vincent De Paul Society. Eunice returned to Wisconsin in 2009, taking residence at Berkshire Senior Community, Grafton, WI. In 2024, she moved to LaSata Crossings Assisted Living, Cedarburg, WI. She quickly made new friends and continued to enjoy playing Bingo, Scrabble and card games with the residents.

Eunice is survived by three children: Barbara Kuster of Grafton, WI, Mary Joan (Roger) Teddy of Suamico, WI, Patrick (Caroline) Leemon of Peosta, IA and daughter-in-law Debra Leemon of Menominee, MI. She is further survived by seven grandsons and ten great-grandchildren: Mary Joan’s sons Brian (Sheila), their son Samuel and daughter Olivia; Richard (Chrystal), their son Henry; Matthew (Erin), their son Trace; Patrick’s sons Jeremy (Crystal), their daughters Evelyn, Georgia and son Winston; Kyle (Nicole), their son Peter and daughter Amelia; Debra’s sons Larry (Shawn); Christopher, his daughter Ellianna; and many loved nieces and nephews.

Eunice was preceded in death by her husband Richard (1987), son Robert, son-in-law Donald, parents Bill and Agnes, her brothers Melvin and Clayton, sister-in-laws Marie and Gertrude. Her family is grateful for the many years they had to share with Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma and Aunt.

The family wishes to thank Lawlis Famiy Hospice for their care and comfort during her short stay as well as the many caregivers at LaSata Crossings Assisted Living.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025- 2:00 PM at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church 1619 Washington St. Grafton with Fr. Steve Lampe presiding. Visitation will be held at the church on Friday from 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic School, 433 Baraga Ave, L’Anse, MI 49946 OR St. Joseph’s Parish School, 1619 Washington St, Grafton, WI 53024.