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Denise Leemputte Obituary
April 22, 2025
Denise Leemputte died on April 22, 2025. She was 64 and is survived by her husband, Michael, two children, Anna (Eric) Onsager, and Grace.
Denise was born in 1960 to John and Eileen Condon in Evanston, Ill. She grew up with her brother, Greg. The family would take regular trips to Lake Geneva, Wis., and often, Greg's friend, Michael Leemputte, would accompany them on those trips. In Michael's senior year, he would take Denise to his prom.
Denise studied for one year at the College of St. Teresa in Winona, Minn., before transferring to the University of San Francisco, where she graduated with a degree in Psychology. Upon graduation, she moved to New York City to be closer to Michael.
They were married on August 30, 1984, in Wilmette, Ill., and lived in Chicago and Winnetka for six years. From there, they embarked on a life of adventure living in Paris, Hong Kong, and London before returning to New York 20 years later. Denise would make a home in each country and develop deep friendships for the couple.
In 1995, they purchased a home in Fontana, Wis., to be close to family during vacations in their years abroad. In 2020, Denise and Michael returned to Fontana to live full-time in retirement. Denise's greatest joy was to host and cook for family and friends, welcoming them with comfort and humor. She was known for her sharp wit, resilience, thoughtfulness, loyal friendship, and kindness. Her lasting legacy and greatest love was for her daughters, her husband, her family, and her friends.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at 10 to 10:30 a.m. Followed by funeral service at St Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 148 W Main Street, Lake Geneva, WI 53147.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Denise's name are appreciated to The Little Sisters of the Poor, Bronx, NY https://www.wesharegiving.org/App/Form/973464a1-dab6-4da9-8620-f90f008e7873 and to the Garrido Stray Rescue Foundation of Chicago https://givebutter.com/FS9XQ4.
Memories and Condolences
for Denise Leemputte
20 Entries
Tina Gregory
June 8, 2025
Deepest sympathy to Denise's family and friends. I hope the joy and love she created for her family and her friends bring peace and that her memory always be a blessing.
Francoise Baracos
June 4, 2025
Denise and I became friends almost immediately when we met at my cooking class in Paris. A common friend used to refer to her as "the teacher´s pet". Throughout the years our husbands and children also became friends and although we lived far away from each other we never lost touch. I will dearly miss her and was hoping to attend the memorial service to say proper goodbye.
Every time we got a chance to visit we were always greeted with warmth and hospitality, and always had a fun time.
Miss you.
Natalia and Sofia Gomez Vazquez
June 3, 2025
Aunt Denise,
We love you tremendously. You were such a formative figure in our childhood; a second mom to us. From countless after-school play dates (catered with the most gourmet snacks of course), to sleepovers, and dinner parties across continents. I´ll never forget how you introduced me to foie gras as an eight-year-old, the trip to Paris where Grace and I became privy to all your local secrets, Cornwall and the infamous pea cannelloni, and the number to your landline, which I could dial off by heart to this day.
Thank you for always being so welcoming. You brought people together with warmth and deep generosity. Your truly unique character, cheeky sense of humour, knowing grin and twinkle in your eyes will be missed so dearly and remembered fondly. You will be present in our hearts forever, because you touched us all so deeply with your love.
Love,
Natalia and Sofia Gomez Vazquez
Enrique Gomez Lahoz
June 3, 2025
Denise, was a cherished member of our family and an exemplar of warmth and hospitality. Denise left an indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to know her, exemplifying grace, kindness, and an unparalleled attention to detail that could make anyone feel at home.
Denise's home was more than a place of solace; it was a haven where stories were shared and memories created, all without the haste that so often accompanies our lives. Her ability to host with such elegance set the standard for our family´s gatherings, making each event memorable and special. Denise was our guide, our advisor from afar, offering wisdom, company, and impeccable taste whenever needed.
Her laughter, whether it stemmed from humorous anecdotes, like the time I ordered an impromptu evacuation of a car in front of a London theatre, or tears shared during somber moments like the Notre Dame fire, will continue to echo through our hearts. Denise was always there to welcome us, laugh with us, and hold us up during trying times.
Although Denise is no longer with us, she lives on in our memories and in the question we often find ourselves asking: "What would Denise have done?" Her spirit continues to guide us, as we carry her love and lessons forward. We will miss her dearly and remember her always with love and gratitude.
Lisa Sabourin
June 2, 2025
I remember Denise so fondly from our shared years together at St. Peter's and Regina. She was vivacious, funny, and above all, kind, and she could dance like nobody's business. I am so sad to learn of her passing at such a young age. My condolences to the family for the loss of Denise after what was clearly a beautiful and love-filled life.
Lisa Perille Sabourin
St. Peter's '74
Regina Domincan '78
Lisa Perille Sabourin
June 2, 2025
I remember Denise with such fondness, from her years at St. Peter's and from Regina. She was vivacious, funny, and above all, kind. She could dance like nobody's business. I am so sad to learn of her passing at far too young of an age. I hope she rests in peace, following what was clearly a beautiful life. My condolences to her family and other friends.
Lisa Perille Sabourin
St. Peter's '74
Regina Dominican '78
Kathy Riley
June 2, 2025
Denise and I became friends the first day of high school. We had many common interests, including dancing, music and horseback riding, which we explored together during our years at Regina. Right before a dance, we would lay outside. Led Zeppelin, albums covered in aluminum foil. Once in a while, we would steal one of Eileen`s Pall Mall non-filters. (yes, we all called Denise`s parents, Eileen and John. But only behind their backs.)
Two of my favorite memories of my years with Denise, are as follows:
1. Getting semi arrested at Tower Rd., Beach when we climb the fence to get in with our boyfriends.
2. Getting kicked out of choral class because Denise was imitating Robin Gibb you know. When he covered his one ear while singing? And singing in the falsetto? She was genius at that.
We had a great time with our group of friends. And I just want Michael and the girls to know how much joy Denise brought into my life. I´m so sorry.
Kathy
Eileen Joyce
June 2, 2025
Deepest condolences to Michael, Anna and Grace. Denise was a wonderful, witty and kind friend.
Connie Eusebio
June 2, 2025
Im sorry for your loss may she rest in peace !
Katie Mallinson
June 2, 2025
I am so sorry to read that a classmate from the Great 78 has passed away. I remember Denise as a great dancer! May she rest in peace and may the memory of her always bring smiles to your faces.I smiled thinking of her! Sincerely, Katie Maher Mallinson RDHS 78
Maria Vazquez
May 30, 2025
Denise, you are truly irreplaceable, and your absence has left a deep emptiness in my heart. I learned so much from you, and the moments we shared were filled with joy and warmth. I dearly miss your mischievous laugh, accompanied by that twinkle in your eyes.
The energy, time, and love you devoted to creating five different homes across three countries were a true labour of love. But even beyond that, you built and nurtured close-knit communities of friends wherever life took you. Your way of showing love through food-preparing and sharing delicious meals-was a beautiful gift that nourished both body and soul for so many of us lucky to be called friends.
I´ve been reflecting on how to capture what you meant to me. If I were to choose one word to describe you, it would be that you truly cherished those you loved. When you listened, your attention was fully there, not just with your mind, but with your heart. Even from afar, I always felt your love and the value you placed on our conversations. Your beautiful spirit continues to live on in all the lives you touched and especially in Michael, Grace, Anna and Eric.
I miss you deeply and think of you every single day.
Connie Simonnet
May 21, 2025
My sincere sympathy to Michael, Anna, Eric and Grace.
I met Denise in Paris. Our mutual friend brought us all together. Denise had that quiet demeanor of exuding peace and tranquility. She always shared her gifts and talents. She loved to surprise you with a book she had enjoyed first. Denise was a magnate of serenity. I wanted to be where she was, in her sphere of laughing, cooking, sharing scintillating barbs, and that feeling of her loyal friendship. Memories of Denise are forever in my sphere of living each day.
Marianna Mullarkey
May 19, 2025
Deepest condolences to Michael, Anna, Grace, family and many friends. Denise was a wonderful friend, fabulous cook; she was great at making anyplace a home. Thoughtful, witty and kind, the world is a better place because Denise was in it. Marianna and Stephen xx
Margaret Mager
May 17, 2025
Denise was an amazing chef and hostess. Loved visiting her home in Bronxville for cooking class. She was so much fun to be around. Sad to hear she has left us so young.
Tina Hauri
May 17, 2025
What a joy it was to spend time with Denise over the past five years since the family returned to the Midwest. As a "friend of a friend" your reputation had long been known to me-your graciousness, wit, style, glamour, elegance and of course a chef and hostess, extraordinaire! Getting to know you as woman, wife, mother and friend enriched my life bringing laughter, great conversation, delicious meals and seasonal beauty. Your devotion to those you loved, your eye for beauty, compassion, kindness and generous, gracious hospitality leave a legacy and reminder for all of us to consider. My sympathy and condolences to all who love and had the privilege of sharing this life with Denise, we are better for it.
Ma Pulizzi
May 17, 2025
You lived life to the fullest Denise and we were fortunate to share your friendship, laughter and great cooking with you. RIP
Mary Anne and Andy
Mutz Barbara
May 16, 2025
Such a loss for all of us who were lucky enough to know Denise . She was so witty . Brightened many lives. The world is not as bright without her
Jim Donlevie
May 16, 2025
Sincere condolences to Michael and the girls. I´ll always remember when Denise made Crème Brûlée in Paris. It was enough for 20 people, and there were only 4 of us.
She was a great lady.
Jim Donlevie
Megan Quinn
May 16, 2025
My heart is broken. Dearest Michael, Anna, Gracie and Eric, I am so deeply sorry for your monumental loss. Denise, what will I ever do without you. I love you to the Moon and back
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St Francis de Sales Catholic Church
148 W Main Street, Lake Geneva, WI
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