Leo E. Udee

Leo E. Udee, 75, of Elk River, MN, passed away on Sunday, February 11, 2024 at Elk River Senior Living. Leo was born June 24, 1948, in Ironwood, MI, to Leo J. and Frances (Kopacz) Udee. He was a 1966 graduate of Nathan Hale High School, West Allis, WI and a 1971 graduate of UW-Stout with a BS Degree in Industrial Arts Education. While in college, he became a member of the Phi Sigma Epsilon fraternity.

He married Loleta Dodge on December 18, 1971 in Janesville, WI. During his early working years, he was a high school auto mechanics teacher in Milwaukee; he worked for American Honda Motor Company as a motorcycle mechanic instructor in Greendale and then as a motorcycle sales representative while living in Wausau. After moving to Fond du Lac, he worked in sales at Modern Motors and in 1985 began working for WP&L, which became Alliant Energy, as a residential trade account manager. He became very interested geo-thermal energy for heating and cooling.  After retiring in 2010, he worked part-time for MEP Associates. In 2012, he was awarded The Energy Center of WI  Educator of the Year and was inducted  into the Energy Center Hall of Fame.

During the 41 years living in Fond du Lac, his community involvement included: member of the Holy Family Catholic Community, member of a Kiwanis Club, board member of the FDL County Economic Development Corporation, board member of the Fondy Food Pantry, and a member of the FDL H.O.G. Chapter.  He coached youth soccer and hockey teams when his sons participated in those sports.

Family was very important to Leo. Throughout his life, Leo was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was very proud of his sons and grandchildren.  Leo enjoyed hunting and fishing; passing on those interests to his sons and then his grandchildren. He was a life long “car guy” and enjoyed watching NASCAR races. During the many years he rode HD motorcycles, he enjoyed touring all over the country with friends, which included many trips to South Dakota for the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. He looked forward to attending his fraternity alumnae gatherings. In 2001, he and his mother traveled to Finland, meeting many Juuti (Udee) and Hori cousins.  A highlight was going to the original Juuti farm. He and Loleta celebrated their 40th anniversary with an Alaskan land tour and cruise.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Loleta; sons: Dirk (Tracy), Todd and Scott; grandchildren: Carson, Brooklyn and Rylan. He is further survived by sisters: Linda (Steve) Schmidt and Janice (Steve) Amelunk; brothers: Paul (Jane) and Tom; brother-in-law Randy (Janice) Dodge and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Leo is predeceased by his parents.

A mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at Sacred Heart Church in Fond du Lac, WI.  Visitation at 10 AM will precede the service. Burial in the St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hurley, WI will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers or gifts, memorial donations can be given to U.W. Foundation for Alzheimers Research or a charity of your choice.

Cremation has taken place. The family was assisted by Dare’s Funeral and Cremation Services, Elk River, MN. The family would like to extend gratitude to the  staff of Elk River Senior Living for the care and compassion Leo received.  We also thank the staff of Trinity Home Health and Hospice who also cared for him.

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.