Elvira Leininger Free Pouwels

Elvira (Vi) Leininger Free Pouwels peacefully departed her earthly journey on March 5, 2013, at Angel's Touch Assisted Living in De Pere, WI, her home since 2007. Elvira was born in Green Bay on February 7, 1924. She graduated from De Pere High School. Elvira was employed at Calberne Studio until 1948 when she and her husband Charlie established Leininger Photography in De Pere. She held offices in local and state photographer's organizations, and received numerous local, state and national awards for her photographic artisty, including her induction into the PPA Hall of Fame. She also enjoyed photographically documenting the history of De Pere. In 1976 her son, Charles Leininger carried on with the family business. Elvira received a Masters in Photography in 1980, and followed her passion for photography into her retirement. Elvira was past president of the De Pere Catholic Women’s Club, a member of the Hilly Haven Ladies League, and a member of the De Pere VFW Auxiliary #2113. She served first as vice-president, then as president of St. Mary School in De Pere, and was present on the school board when St. Mary and St. Francis Schools consolidated to form Notre Dame School of De Pere. Elvira was a well-known and respected artist, spending much of her later years refining her craft as a painter. Elvira was always willing to share her knowledge and talent to anyone who was interested to learn. She had a great love for people, animals, nature, travel and possessed a true sense of adventure complimented by a desire to learn and grow. Elvira was married to Charles E. Leininger on June 5, 1944 until his death. Elvira married Walter B. Free on February 14, 1978 and moved with him to Philadelphia, and later they relocated to Florida for the winters, and back to Wisconsin in the summer. Elvira and Edward Pouwels were married January 4, 1992, also living in Wisconsin and wintering in Florida. Elvira will be reunited with those she loved who passed from this life before her, including husbands Charles E. Leininger (11/25/1974), Walter B. Free (1/20/1991), and Edward L. Pouwels (8/29/2007); her father and mother, Joseph and Florence (Vande Hei) Lasee, and many family and friends with whom she shared this life. Elvira's family is very blessed to have had her here for so long and will miss her dearly. Elvira is survived by sons, Michael (Susie), Chuck (Lynn), Jon (Cynthia), Terry (Susan) and her daughter Cheryl; four grandchildren Brooklyn Lebeau (Drew), Brittney Stich (Tony), Paul Dax (Veronica), and Anthony Leininger; 5 great-grandchildren Mathias, Charlotte and Eleanor Stich, Lola and Frida Dax; all of her sisters Arleen Hockers Krug (Les), Carol Linskens (Jack), Janet Clark, and Evie Seran (Alonzo), and brothers Alan (Janice) and Richard (Carol); step children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren from the Free and Pouwels families; cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Family and friends may visit at Cotter Funeral Home, 860 N. Webster Ave, De Pere, on Friday, March 8, from 5:00pm until the time of prayer service at 7:00pm. Visitation will continue on Saturday at St. Mary Catholic Parish, 4805 Sportsman Drive, Ledgeview, from 9:30am until the hour of Mass. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30am Saturday, with the Rev. Richard Getchel officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, De Pere. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cotterfuneralhome.com A special thank you to Elvira's family of caregivers at Angels Touch and Heartland Hospice. Their love and professionalism was always a comfort to us. We will remember you fondly and miss you!

Visitation:
Saturday, March 9, 2013 9:30 AM
Parish Prayer Service at 7:00pm Friday evening.

Service:
Saturday, March 9, 2013 10:30 AM