Leon Herbert Fiez

Leon (Lee) H. Fiez Jr., surrounded by his loving family, lost his 25-year battle with prostate cancer on October 22nd, 2026. His wife of over 56 years, Christine, was with him every step of his journey. Though he knew that this was a fight he would eventually lose, he trusted the Lord was with him every day.

Lee was born in Monroe, WI on July 16th, 1946. He was raised on a farm, the eldest of 6 children born to Leon Sr. and Mary (Leutenegger). He attended school in New Glarus. In high school, Lee was awarded the Wisconsin State Farmer award for his work and leadership in FFA and farm conservation projects. After high school, Lee enlisted in the Army. He did his basic training in Fort Knox, KY and then went on to Sam Huston TX for X-ray school. Once completed, he spent 6 weeks at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington DC before going to Heidelberg Germany, via troop ship, to work in a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital. After the Army, Lee began work for Madison Gas and Electric and spent the next 40 years at that company.

Lee met the love of his life, Christine Loniello. Knowing it was meant to be, they were married on November 29th, 1969. Together, they had 3 children (Brian, Craig and Laura). Lee and Chris settled in Madison, but Lee never got farming out of his system. They bought a 20-acre farm in Deerfield, WI and raised every type of animal except horses with Lee saying you “can’t eat a horse”. Besides his farm duties, and fully remodeling the farm house, he found time to coach Little League and became a superintendent for the Deerfield 4-H. He was dedicated to the kids at 4-H, even learning to shear sheep for the kids that were showing them. In 1994, Lee was inducted into the Dane County Fair Hall of Fame, and he received a Citation by the WI State Assembly for working with others to start the small animal sale at the fair.

Lee and Chris still had time to travel. They went to Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Italy and Germany. While in Switzerland, they spent time with Lee’s cousins related to him on his father’s side. They also traveled throughout the U.S. visiting Texas, Oklahoma, California and the Dakotas.

Upon retirement, Lee and Chris moved back to Madison and then onto an apartment in Monona. He returned to the farm often as his son Craig took over the farm. Lee’s great joy was his family, especially spending time with his 7 grandchildren (and 2 great grandchildren) whether it was working with his grandsons at the farm or enjoying home cooked meals with his granddaughters. Holidays brought Lee the most joy as all the families were together. Lee was very proud of the lives his children made for themselves and how his grandchildren grew into wonderful young adults. He gave generously of his time, talents and his heart, often quietly, and without expecting anything in return.

Lee is survived by his wife Chris, his sons Brian and Craig (Shannon), his daughters Laura (Pete) Yundt and Anke (Matt) Kohlhardt and the grand- and great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother David (Chong), sisters Judy Waelti and Susan (Jim) Dalee, sister-in laws Terri Fiez and Denise (Mike) Heller. He is also remembered by his many nieces and nephews. Lee wishes to remember Steve Loniello, a nephew, for accompanying him on his Honor Flight in April of 2025.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Edward and Robert and brother-in-law Cyril Waelti. The family wishes to thank all the medical personnel for all they did in making sure we had the most time with this remarkable man.

 Visitation will be on Thursday, November 5th from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 AM. A luncheon will be held immediately following the service. This will take place at St Paul’s Liberty Lutheran Church, 3494 Oak Park Rd, Deerfield, WI 53531.

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