Edith Kay Leverenz, 87, of New Holstein, was released from her 10-year journey with dementia on Saturday morning, September 19, 2026, at Brillion Westhaven Assisted Living where she had been a resident for the past 5 years. She was born on July 9, 1939, daughter of the late Anker and Helen (Reinertson) Nelson. Edie graduated from Kiel High School and attended Bethany Lutheran College.

On August 22, 1958, she married Fredrick Leverenz at the Naval Chapel on the base in Long Beach, CA, while Fred was stationed there with the US Navy. They returned to New Holstein where she raised her family and farmed in the Town of New Holstein until 1987. Edie was a farmer's wife. She helped on the farm and still managed the home and finances. During that time, she also worked as a CNA at Calumet Homestead. Edie was also a 4H leader and was in charge of the clubs music presentation at the annual talent festival for many years.

When they stopped farming, Edie became involved with the headstart program at Zielanis and Meeme schools. She drove the bus and was a teacher’s aide. She loved caring for children, especially the little ones. After her retirement, she also volunteered at Trinity Preschool.

Above all else, Edie's life was rooted in faith and service to her church and others. She was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Kiel, where she was a choir member for 50 years and a Bible school and Sunday school teacher for over 50 years. She was very active with the Ladies Aid and served as both president and treasurer. She never missed church and always made sure her children were raised in a home filled with faith and music.

In her free time, she enjoyed making braided sock rugs and knitting. She made hundreds of mittens for family and the school kids she helped. Edie was a talented seamstress, making much of her family’s clothes as they grew up. She was also very proud of her flower beds, yard and her huge garden. Edie was very skilled at feeding her family on sometimes very little. She cooked when she needed to but was an exceptional baker, especially the desserts she crafted. She was the matriarch of her family and enjoyed the time she could spend with them singing songs or playing board games and Royal Rummy. After her retirement, she enjoyed the quiet times of reading on the porch or caring for her many cats and dogs.

She is survived by her children: Loraine (David) Mueller, New Holstein, Christine (Paul) Wiltzius, Campbellsport, Mary Jo Starkson, Rochester, MN, Andrew Leverenz, New Holstein, Paul (Julie) Leverenz, New Holstein, Debora (Jeffrey) Goeldi, Racine, MN, Karl (Stefani) Leverenz, Howards Grove and Thomas (Kris) Leverenz, New Holstein; 19 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren with one on the way. Edie is further survived by a brother, Richard (Judie) Nelson; sisters-in-law Charlotte Nelson and Barb Schulz along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Fred; brother, Al Nelson; sister-in-law, Susan Leverenz and brother-in-law, Gerald Schulz.

Funeral Services for Edith will be held at 3:30pm on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church (387 Cemetery Rd.) PLEASE ENTER THROUGH THE NEW SCHOOL ENTRANCE. Friends may call at the church on Sunday from 1:30 p.m. until 3:15 p.m. when brief family rites will be held prior to the service. Burial will follow in the Pilgrim Rest Cemetery.

Edie's family would like to thank the many staff members at Brillion Westhaven and the St. Croix Hospice for all their compassion and loving care.