Susan Marie (Deitte) Leonard
Susan Marie (Deitte) Leonard, beloved wife, mom, grandma, sister, aunt, and friend, was peacefully called home on March 21, 2026 at the age of 75, surrounded by the love of her family. Her deep faith in God and love for family were the heart of her life. Sue shared her faith generously, through her beautiful gift of singing, and through acts of kindness, service, and prayer that left a lasting impact on all who knew her.
Born to Kenneth and Rose Deitte, Susie was the oldest of nine children, a treasured sister and friend to her sisters and brothers. She was a 1968 graduate of St. Mary’s Springs High School in Fond du Lac. On July 25, 1970, she married her cherished husband, Michael Leonard. Together, they raised five children, and were blessed with 17 grandchildren, plus great-grandchildren on the way. Sue was a devoted wife, mother and grandma who adored her family. Sue will be remembered for the countless ways she showed her love – through her constant care and presence, the strong foundation of faith she instilled, her infectious laughter, and her joyful, fun-loving spirit.
Many people know Sue for her singing and ministry. She sang for hundreds of weddings, numerous ministry events and concerts, and recorded two Christian music albums. She was a leader of the children’s choir at St. Joseph’s, worship teams at Community Church, several Bible study and prayer groups, and mentored Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPs). She was an active member of Community Church in Fond du Lac.
Sue is survived by her husband, Mike; her children and grandchildren: daughter, Kristin (Dean) Seigworth, children Cole and Drew; sons, Matthew (Jessica Miller), children Grace, Landen, Lola and Edison (Ashton, Cianna, and Stella Miller); Andrew (Peggy), children Keegan (Taylor), Cody (Kaysie), Matthew and Kate; Nicholas (Melanie), children Isaac (fiancé Sophia), Eli (Hailey), Aubrey, Owen and Abram; Daniel (fiancé Jenn McLaughlin), children Theodore and Wesley (Makenzie Godleske). Her sisters and brothers: Linda Sklena, Rita (Mike) Shannon, Annie (Dr. Tim) Koll, Tom (Cathy) Deitte, Richard (Katy) Deitte, and Gary (DeAnna) Deitte; sisters-in-law Barbara Schaefer, Annie (Dave) Hesprich, Rose (John) Broome; brothers-in-law Anthony “Doc” (Cheryl) Leonard and Tom (Mary) Leonard, many beloved nieces and nephews, godchildren, cousins, and the dearest friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Rose (Zehren) Deitte, her brother Mark Deitte, sister Karen Courtney, in-laws Anthony and Marion (Loehr) Leonard, Mary Beth Leonard, Scott Courtney, and Mike Sklena.
Sue’s wishes were to share her song, I’m to Share Jesus; in the dedication on this album, she wrote: “My prayer is that through the message of these songs, you will praise, honor and worship Jesus along with me. I also pray that you give Him the highest place in your life and invite Him to be Enthroned in Your Heart as Lord forever!” One of her favorite Bible verses was Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
The family extends deep gratitude to the wonderful staff at Parkview Health Center for their compassionate, genuine care for Sue through her final years of living with Parkinson’s disease.
Visitation will be held on Friday, April 10 at Community Church, N6717 Streblow Drive, Fond du Lac, WI, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., followed by her funeral service at 3:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, to honor Sue’s love of music, the family will be establishing a musical scholarship fund in her name.
Online condolences can be shared at www.zacherlfuneralhome.com.