Leroy Sterling Walsingham, age 90 of Hudson WI and formerly of Ellsworth WI, died on Saturday, April 28th at Red Cedar Canyon Assisted Living. Leroy was born June 4, 1921 in Ellsworth WI to parents Floyd and Pearl (Halverson) Walsingham. Leroy grew up on a farm near Grange Hall, and later graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1939. Leroy worked at Ralph White’s store in Maiden Rock from 1941 until joining the U.S. Army on December 19, 1942.
Upon being discharged from the Army on February 11, 1946, Leroy began working at the Maiden Rock Garage with Walter Julian. Leroy was united in marriage to Marian Julian on June 24, 1947 at the Methodist Parsonage in Pepin WI. Their union in marriage would be blessed with four children. In the 1950’s he entered into a family partnership with Walter and Charles Julian. After Walter’s death, he and Charles purchased the International Harvester dealership, and later Leader Chevrolet, both businesses in Ellsworth. Leroy operated the Chevrolet dealership until it was sold in 1976. At that time, he went to work with Charles at Julian-Walsingham Implement for six years, until retiring in 1982 when they sold that dealership.
Leroy enjoyed family, fishing, hunting, golf, bowling, cards, traveling, and thirty years of wintering in Florida. He was a member of the Methodist churches in Maiden Rock, Ellsworth, and Hudson; as well as a member of the Ellsworth American Legion. After selling their Florida and Ellsworth residences, Leroy and Marian moved to Red Cedar Canyon Assisted Living in Hudson during June 2011.
Leroy is survived by his wife of 64 years, Marian; his children Jeri (Terry) Zimmerman of Chatfield MN, Jack (Deb) Walsingham of Minneapolis, Dennis (Sue) Walsingham of Mt. Laurel NJ; grandchildren, Tara Zimmerman, Cade (Jen) Zimmerman, Chris (Cindy) Zimmerman, Angela (Chad) Sherack, Emily (Michael) Przytarski, Mark Walsingham, Amy Walsingham, and Eric Walsingham; great-grandchildren, Tedon and Jaiden Zimmerman, and Taylor Sherack; brother, Lester Walsingham; as well as many other relatives and good friends. Leroy was preceded in death by his son, David Walsingham; his parents, Floyd and Pearl Walsingham; and his sisters, Vivian Kopp and Marjorie Bast.
Visitation for Leroy Walsingham will be held from 4:30-7:30PM on Wednesday, May 2nd at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 S. 11th Street, in Hudson, and also one hour prior to services at the church. A Memorial Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00AM on Thursday, May 3rd at the Hudson United Methodist Church, 1401 Laurel Avenue in Hudson, with Pastor Bruce Stunkard officiating. Burial will take place at the Maiden Rock Cemetery at 3:30PM, with military honors provided by the Ellsworth American Legion Post 204. Memorials in honor of Leroy may be directed to Red Cedar Canyon Assisted Living or Hudson United Methodist Church. Services have been entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson WI. 715-386-3725