Leonard R. Risse

98, Appleton, passed away on Oct. 25, 2023, at his residence. He was born on July 28, 1925, in Appleton to the late Richard H. (Anna Berger) Risse.  At a young age standing in food lines during the Depression left a lifelong impression on him. Upon graduating from High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps where he became an officer and navigator during World War II. He was Honorably discharged in 1945. Len graduated from UW Madison in 1949 with a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering.

Leonard married Audrey H. Hazaert on September 9, 1950, and they raised four boys together. Len worked for the Cutler-Hammer office in Appleton from 1949 until 1975 and became Branch Manager in 1957. Afterward he worked for Louis Allis and Magnetek until retiring in 1990. Upon retirement he continued with a consulting business, Len Risse Inc.

He enjoyed volunteering with Appleton Kiwanis, Salvation Army and math tutoring and kindergarten reading with school children. He also had a passion for fishing, playing cards and was an avid fan of the Packers and Badgers Football teams. Teasing those who came within his verbal reach was one of his greatest pleasures.

Len is survived by his sons: Robert (Karen) Risse, Seattle, WA, Paul (Nancy Darigo) Risse, Anchorage, AK, and Michael (Brenda) Risse, De Pere, WI; 4 grandchildren: Amber Risse (Dan Vaughn), Roxanne, Francesca and Anton Risse; two great grandchildren: Caroline and Bruce; and sister, Dorothy Stoll of Greendale, WI.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Steve.

A Memorial Service for Len will be held at 11 AM, Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at Faith Lutheran Church, Appleton with Rev. Daniel Thews officiating. Entombment will take place at Highland Memorial Park, Appleton. Friends may visit the family directly at church on Wednesday from 9:30 – 11 AM.