Leo A. Kiesewetter, 92, of Normal, passed away Friday, April 25, 2025, at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington.
His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Epiphany Catholic Church, Normal, with Rev. David Richardson officiating. Burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, Normal, where military rites will be accorded. Visitation will be from 9:30-10:30 a.m., Thursday at the church. Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington is assisting the family with arrangements.
Leo was born February 27, 1933, in Metamora, the son of William and Rose (Michael) Kiesewetter. He married Anne Wahrer on June 8, 1957, in Glenview. She survives.
Together, they had six children, Julie (Douglas) Carroll, Flower Mound, TX, Deborah (Alan) Bruton, Jamestown, NC, Janice (Jerry Erdman) Kiesewetter-Erdman, Bloomington, David G. (Connie) Kiesewetter, Bloomington, John (Tamara) Kiesewetter, Chandler, AZ and Gregory (Grace) Kiesewetter, Chicago; 15 grandchildren, Scott Carroll, Kellie (Lucas Atkins) Carroll, Alan Bruton, Jr., Tony Bruton, Felicia (Jarrod) Brinegar, Marcie (Joe) James, David (Whitney) Bruton, Steven (Kayla) Kiesewetter, Kevin (Mary) Kiesewetter, David P. Kiesewetter, Ben (Alyssa) Kiesewetter, Austin (Chelsea Hall) Kiesewetter, Payton Kiesewetter, James Kiesewetter and Alexa Kiesewetter; and seven great grandchildren, Rylie and Jack Carroll, Kenley Brinegar, Kayson, Emmalyn and Luca Kiesewetter, Ronan Kiesewetter-Hall. Also surviving is a sister, Mary Jane Junk, Washington, as well as several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by two siblings, Joe Kiesewetter and Teresa Grebner, and by two grandsons, Scott Carroll and David P. Kiesewetter.
Leo grew up on a farm in Metamora before being drafted and serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Following his time in the service, he attended Illinois State University (ISU) and graduated with a Master’s degree in Business Education. At ISU, he met Anne at a Newman Club function, got married and began a family. His passion for education resulted in a career focused on helping others learn and grow. Leo was employed as an instructor at Lincoln Community High School, as a professor and Dean of Business Administration at Illinois Central College, and taught real estate classes at ISU. He was a real estate broker and started his own business, McLean Castle Realty.
Leo loved sports and continued to inspire and educate youth in his role as a basketball coach and Athletic Director at Epiphany Catholic School. He supported ISU basketball and was a huge Chicago sports fan, especially the Chicago Cubs. Leo could guide most every conversation to a recent game, trade, or manager decision and felt fortunate to watch the Cubs win the World Series in 2016.
During his retirement, Leo continued expanding his skills and creativity to write books and poetry, and design greeting cards. He found enjoyment in observing nature and created many drawings of animals, insects, and trees. He treasured time with family and engaging in friendly debate and philosophical discussion.
Most important to Leo was his strong Catholic faith, serving as a Eucharistic Minister at Epiphany Catholic Church for many years. He demonstrated his beliefs throughout his life as a husband, father, and friend. Leo was kind, generous, and compassionate to everyone he met. He was a leader and a logical problem solver. He was calm and thoughtful and, indeed, the best of the best. Leo will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved him. His wife, children, and entire family are blessed and honored to have had Leo in their lives.
To express condolences online, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.
Memorials may be directed to the Wounded Warrior Project.