Leland Robert Tegen

De Pere – Leland R. Tegen, 84, passed away Monday, October 9, 2023, with his loving wife by his side. Lee was born November 4, 1938, in Kewaunee WI, the son of Gerald and Agnes Tegen. He was a graduate of Kewaunee High School class of 1956.

Following graduation, Lee joined the U.S. Navy proudly serving aboard the USS Salisbury Sound during which he toured the Pacific having many adventures with his shipmates, many of whom he kept in contact through service reunions throughout the years. After leaving the Navy he returned home to Kewaunee and married the love of his life Judy Hucek on May 14, 1960. Together they started their family. Three boys, Bob, Dan, and Tom quickly arrived, then after a short break, Judy’s Christmas gift Steve completed the family.

The family moved to Ashwaubenon where Lee started a career at Fort Howard that would last for 38 years. Lee loved to travel, and as a family, we took many vacations throughout the years. Summers were spent camping and cookouts, winters were for snowmobiling and teaching the boys hunting. Lee also got involved in coaching both baseball and football, he loved working with the kids. A move back to Kewaunee came several years later to be closer to both Lee and Judy’s families.

Lee was a craftsman and loved working with his hands. He enjoyed woodworking and created many beautiful pieces of furniture for family and friends. Raising 4 boys of driving age also honed his auto repair skills. This skill he passed on to the boys with the mantra “If you're going to break it, you’re going to have to know how to fix it”. Needless to say, there were many hours spent in the garage making sure the boys knew how to turn a wrench.

As the boys moved on to start their own families, Lee and Judy again moved back to the “big city”, settling in Bellevue and later De Pere. Always the travelers, Lee and Judy completed their goal of visiting all 50 states over the years, with their last big trip being a river cruise through Europe. After retiring they bought a place in south Texas and made it their winter destination for many years. The friends and memories they made as “winter Texans” are too many to list. No longer able to make the trip to Texas Lee and Judy settled into their “golden years”. Lee so enjoyed the times spent with family and friends, whether it was a card game or an evening at a supper club. As a lifelong Packers, Brewers, and Badgers fan, Lee spent many hours as an “unofficial” assistant coach voicing his opinions, which much to his chagrin, fell on deaf ears. Lee sure led a full life and was a great friend to all he knew.

Lee is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Judy, along with their 4 boys, Robert (DiAnna), Daniel (Sharon), Thomas (Gina), and Steven. Brother Paul (Kathe), sister-in-law Pacita Tegen, nieces and nephews, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents Gerald and Agnes Tegen, Parents in-law Orville Hucek and Evelyn Van Auwelaer, Judy’s foster parents Clarence and Hilde Mittelstaedt, brother Gerald Tegen, and sister Maxine (Stanley) Kassner.

The family will receive friends at Cotter Funeral Home 860 N. Webster Ave, De Pere, Friday, October 13 from 2 pm to 4 pm with a funeral service to start at 4 pm.  Full Military Honors to follow.

The family would like to thank the amazing staff of Unity Hospice for the care they have provided to Lee and the family these past several months.