Barbara Suzanne Steffen Leal

Barbara Suzanne Steffen Leal, nee Diehlmann, 84, of Fond du Lac, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 10th, 2025, at Violet Medows Assisted Living Facility. She was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Born on January 6, 1941, in Beaver Dam, WI, she was the daughter of Theodore and Suzanne Diehlmann. Barbara graduated from RIO High School.

Barbara was strong in her faith and was the ultimate prayer warrior. She dedicated her life to God and her family, particularly her children and grandchildren.

Barbara was passionate about animals, especially her beloved Honey Bunny. If there was ever a stray, she was sure to give them a forever home. She enjoyed planting and growing flowers, and found joy in using flower petals to make framed flower picture treasures. She spread her joy by giving those to her family and friends. She especially enjoyed her trips to the casino with her son Ted, playing the penny machines and always coming out with a little extra.

Barbara is survived by her loving family; daughters, Carla Mello, and Paula (Glenn) Mathes;

grandchildren, Nathan (Crystal) Steffen Vaquera, EJ (Jennifer) Vaquera, Amanda Vaquera, Aaron (Kaylee) Steffen, Briana (Evan) Schovain, Brooke (Marcus) Clapper, Ramon (Martha) Campos, Luis (Vasty) Carlos, Juan Carlos, Jose Enrique; 23 great-grandchildren; her sister, Linda (Allen) Pease; and nephews, Joe (Autumn) and Josh (Nikki) Pease. Preceding her in death were her parents; first husband, Carl H. Steffen; second husband, Ernesto Leal; her beloved son, Theodore (Tedi) Steffen; and a great grandchild.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation and heartfelt thank you to the entire staff at Violet Meadows and St. Croix Hospice for their understanding, compassion and personalized care during this difficult journey.

The funeral service will be held on Friday May 16th, 2025 at 1pm at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 N Park Ave, Fond du Lac WI 54935. Visitation from 11am until time of service. Reverend Thomas White will officiate the service. Private family burial will occur at George Hiles Memorial Cemetery, Pittsville, WI.

In lieu of flowers, memorials/donations can be made to an animal rescue of your choice, in Barbara’s name.

Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com