Leola Mary Dillhunt

Leola Mary Dillhunt died peacefully on Tuesday, November 30, 2010 in Green Bay. She was born March 27, 1923 in De Pere to Louis and Adele (Brouillard) DeBroux. She attended St. Joseph’s grade school in De Pere and the Academy in Green Bay; she kept in touch with her classmates from the Academy her entire life. She attended a business college in California, Xavier University in Cincinnati, and St. Norbert in De Pere. She worked as a secretary at Fort Howard in Green Bay and then enlisted in the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) during World War II. While in the service, she met her husband, Staff Sergeant Lawrence J. Dilllhunt. She was proud of her military service and served as Commander of Green Bay’s Madelyn LaCanne American Legion Post. Leola was a steadfast friend and dedicated letter writer. She also wrote stories and poetry, took writing classes, and belonged to a writing group. For years, she wrote the column, “Smiling With Lee…” for the Mason Manor monthly newsletter. All who knew her talked of her positive attitude and her ability to revel in the small things in life: a Sunday drive, a walk in the garden, watching the fall colors, singing favorite songs, rereading a good mystery, an animated conversation, and a good meal with friends and family. Leola loved family gatherings and spending time with each of her twelve children and their families. She also enjoyed sewing and working on her crewel embroidery projects. Leola is survived by her brother Francis (Donna) DeBroux, Manitowoc; sister Margaret DeBroux, Platteville; her children and their partners, Maria Dillhunt and Linda Schrevens, Kathy and Jim Kennard, Cliff Dillhunt and Kathy Koegel, Tom and Lynette Dillhunt, Donna Dillhunt and Jan Jansen, Mary Ryan, Jack Dillhunt, Colleen Reinke, Dorothy and Roger Burt, Theresa and Pat Vande Walle, Pat and Lisa Dillhunt; and 16 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Leola was preceded in death by her husband; three sons, David, Michael, and Paul; and her two brothers, Maurice and James. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 3 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at Cotter Funeral Home, 860 N. Webster Ave., De Pere. Visitation will continue on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Community, Pope John the XXIII Circle, off Sportsman Drive, Town of Ledgeview. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the church on Saturday at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. John H. Harper officiating. Leola will be buried next to her husband in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in De Pere. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cotterfuneralhome.com. The family wishes to thank the staff of the Odd Fellow Home for the careful and loving care they gave to Leola.