Dolores Leitner

Dolores Catherine "Dee" Leitner, age 94, of Troy, IL. Passed away peacefully Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at her home.

She was born November 1, 1931, at home on the farm in Prairietown, IL, the daughter of the late Fred H.and Johanna A. (Dubbelde) Brakhane. She married Charles J. Leitner on November 1, 1953, in Staunton, IL. He proceeded her in death.

Dolores is survived by two children: Kathy Fox of Staunton and Michael (Karen) Leitner of Glen Carbon; five grandchildren: Laura Ormsbee, Kristen Fox, Katelyn Fox, Anna Leitner and Emma Leitner; three great-grandchildren: Zackary Fox, Kroy Ormsbee and Kylee Ormsbee; her siblings and in-laws: Frances Westerhold, Gladys Bruhn, Homer (Eunice) Brakhane, Ruth Ann Brakhane, Ralph Beilsmith, JoAnn Brakhane, Cheryl Moore, & numerous nieces & nephews.

Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her siblings and in-laws: Mildred (John) Leetham, Art Westerhold, Bob Brakhane, Ruthie Beilsmith, George Moore & infant brother Donald Brakhane.

Dolores enjoyed many activities including playing in 8 different card clubs (Bridge, Euchre, Pinochle), being a member of the Madison County Home Extension for 47 years, being a lifetime member of Trinity Lutheran Church and many organizations within the church (Dorcas, PTL, and Sunday School teacher for 15 years), being a member of the American Legion Auxiliary where she carried the flag in the Veteran's Day parade for many years, was head cook of the Southern Illinois Lutheran church camp at Pere Marquette for 30 years, and the St. Clair/ Madison County Beekeeper Association for 55 years. She also enjoyed quilting, ceramics, and was in a bowling league.

Dolores and Chuck enjoyed ballroom dancing and taking their honeybees to schools to educate children. Dolores loved to cook and bake but her favorite things to make were her Honey Tea Ring (coffee cake) during the holidays and Honey Ice Cream during the summer, which she enjoyed sharing with many people. She kept a daily diary for 52 years.

Most of all, she loved spending time with her family and her husband, with whom she had built a wonderful life, working side by side, dining out all over the St. Louis area, and traveling the United States, Canada and Europe.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date for Family and close Friends. Memorials are suggested to Main Street Community Center in Edwardsville where she was an active participant.