Leonie F. Vrtilek

Leonie F. Vrtilek of Fond du Lac died peacefully after a long illness at the age of 94 on September 21, 2015 at Grancare Nursing Center. She was born in Zurich, Switzerland, where she studied foreign languages and, after finishing her baccalaureate business education, worked for various Swiss organizations. In 1953 she married Dr. M. R. Vrtilek and immigrated to the United States in 1956. She lived in Fond du Lac since 1958, where she joined the Fond du Lac County Medical Auxiliary until the retirement of her husband.

Since childhood Leonie had a very close relationship to nature and it was not surprising that working for the protection of wildlife and its habitat and the environment in general was very important to her. She also became a member of various national and state organizations in the line of her interests.

For over 30 years Leonie worked as a councilor of the Citizens Natural Resources Association of Wisconsin, where she focused on issues in the preservation of Horicon Marsh, which was also one of her favorite hiking areas.

Leonie also liked music, reading, and gardening, as well as spending time with family, friends, and their dogs and cat. Leonie was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fond du Lac.

Survivors include her husband, one son, Jan M. Vrtilek, and his wife, Saeqa D. Vrtilek, and her granddaughter, Julia K. Vrtilek. Preceding her in death were her parents and one brother.

The visitation will be held from 2:00 – 4:00 pm on Saturday, September 26, 2015 at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home. Cremation has taken place and inurnment will be held in Rienzi Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Fond du Lac Humane Society, 652 Triangle Road, Fond du Lac, WI 54935.

Additional information and guest book may be found at www.ueckerwitt.com.