Edward E Leister

Edward E Leister, 71, of Marinette passed away peacefully on May 23, 2025, in Green Bay Wisconsin, surrounded by his loving family after a battle with dementia. While the disease altered the later years of his life, we choose to remember the vibrant person he was, the man who cherished his family, and inspired many with his uncanny ability to sense when others needed help, support, a good laugh, or an engaging bonfire.
Edward was born December 14, 1953, in Champagne, IL to the late LeRoy and Velma (Yoder) Leister. He graduated from Arlington Heights High School in 1972; he then chose to serve in the US Marines for four years during the Vietnam War. Ed moved to Marinette in 1992 and worked at Gustman Automotive painting and doing auto body repair. He then worked at Marinette Marine until retiring in 2012. Edward continued his passion for Beef Jerky making as a favorite pastime.
Ed is survived by two sons, Scott and Eric (partner, Killian Kindejen) Leister; daughter, Tricia (Steve) Grotto; grandchildren: Hannah and Jasmine Grotto and Logan Dzurick; and loving former spouse, Julie Leister.
Edward gave so much to make sure his family was cared for through tough times and we are eternally grateful and proud of who he was and what he accomplished.
Services will be held at Forest Home Mausoleum on Tuesday, June 24th at 11:00am. Thielen Funeral Home is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Alzheimer's Association in his name.