Jack L. Leake

Jack L. Leake, age 93 of Prairie du Chien, WI passed away Friday, December 5, 2025, at Guttenberg Care Center in Guttenberg, IA with his family by his side. Jack served honorably in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War and formed a lifelong bond with other Marines and service members. Semper Fidelis - Always Faithful.
He and his sweetheart Mary Ann were married in 1952 and lived in Oceanside, CA, where he was stationed with the Marines. Later, they moved to the Chicago area and resided in St Charles, IL for many years, where they began their family life with 7 children, before moving to Potosi, WI in 1973. Jack was a linotype operator/printer most of his life and came from a long line of printers on his father's side.
After retiring from printing, Jack proved he had many talents. He purchased a hobby farm, and the family learned how to adapt to rural life and care for a variety of farm animals. He involved a couple of his children in setting lines for catfish in the good old Mississippi River. Jack was also the Broker/Owner of Eagle Realty in Southwest WI, prior to purchasing a tavern in Bellevue IA, naming it the Lock 12 Inn. But his favorite job was probably full-time jokester and romance counselor with his beloved pals. Jack was very quick-witted, never losing his sharp sense of humor. He cherished people, made life-long friendships, and was well known in the many places he lived.
Jack loved to garden and did so right up to his final days, with his wife by his side, living out their retirement years in Prairie du Chien, WI, and becoming members of Holy Family Catholic Church. Out of all Jack's endeavors, fishing was where his heart was. An avid fisherman all his life, he came to love the Mississippi. Many hours and days were spent exploring the backwaters in search of the big one; or as he called it, the "Lunker." Even after giving up his boat, he would often be seen fishing from his dock on the Mississippi.
Jack loved the Cubs and Bears, Chicago was his town, his roots. His Uncle Carl was one of the original Bleacher Bums at Wrigley field and it became part of Jack's identity. He took a lot of heat for his loyalty but remained a true fan to the end.
He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Mary Ann; children, Diane (Mike Kloss) Leake, Jackie (Mike) Kluesner, Sharon (John) Olszewski, Tom (Shelly) Leake, Cathy (Bryan) Irvin, Joanne (Clint) McDuffey, and Bryan Lake; grandchildren Patrick, Nicholas, Benjamin, Chrysta (Damir) Hadzalic, Tony, Samantha (Ryan), Renae (John) Nelson, Anthony, Austin, Anna, Kaitie (John) Winters, Aubree, and Maxxten; great grandchildren, Carla, Alyssa, Karson, Jace, and soon to arrive Baby Hadzalic; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings Bob Leake and Alene Doherty.
Burial and military honors will be held at a later date in the Calvary Cemetery, in Prairie du Chien, WI.
A celebration of life will also be announced at a later date.