Robert R. Leister

Robert R. Leister, 85, died Friday. May 9, 2008 at Woodlands Senior Park. Robert was born in Milwaukee on May 11, 1922, the son of Florence and Tobias Leister. He married Lorraine Gellott on July 8, 1944. They raised their family in Franklin and spent 58 years together until Lorraine's death in 2002. Robert served our country in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He was stationed on the Island of Tinian. Robert had a distinguished career as a professional photographer. He was director of advertising photography at Gimbels and later had a studio in Glendale. He also taught photography at MATC. Robert was a member of Pi Gamma Theta Photographic Society, the Wisconsin Industrial Photographers Association and the Wisconsin PPA. He received numerous awards for his work. In his later years, Robert became a Master Gardener and Master Naturalist. He shared his wealth of knowledge by conducting seminars and working in the gardening and landscaping business. Robert had a profound love of nature and respect for the environment.Robert is survived by his children Mark (Laura) of Franklin, David (partner Lucy Harris) of London, England, Mary (Greg) Arndt of Waupun, Scott (Cynthia) of Muskego, his grandchildren Erin (Kevin) Messerschmidt, Michael (Shelly), Joseph, Daniel and his great-grandson, Ethan Messerschimidt. He is further survived by his brother Donald (Dorothy), his sister Lois Clemins and his dear cousin Ruth Rowe.Robert was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Lorraine and his brother Jim.



In accordance with Robert's wishes, there will be no public funeral services.Memorials may be directed to Agnesian Hospice Hope.The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to the staff of Woodlands Senior Park and Agnesian Hospice Hope for their compassionate care of Robert.Additional information and guest book may be found at www.ueckerwitt.com