Leo J. "Lee" Berggreen

1942 - 2024

Leo J. "Lee" Berggreen passed away peacefully on March 8, 2024 at the age of 81. He was an adoring husband, a loving father, a devoted son and brother, devout Catholic and a loyal friend to all who knew him. He was born June 21, 1942 in St. Gabriel, Louisiana and was a resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He graduated from St. Gabriel High School in 1960. He then went on to attend college at the University of Southwestern Louisiana in Lafayette, Louisiana. After earning his degree in 1965 Leo attended LSU Law School and was a 1965 member of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity graduating with a degree of Juris Doctor in 1967. Leo was a respected attorney practicing 52 years in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and throughout the state. He dedicated his law firm to serve, enhance and protect the quality of life on behalf of persons with special needs and their families. In 1972 Leo became an active member of The Arc. He participated throughout his lifetime serving on the Board of Directors for The Arc of Baton Rouge, The Arc of Louisiana and The Arc of the United States for over 40 years. Serving as President of The Arc of Baton Rouge, President of The Arc of Louisiana as well as President of The Arc of the United States. Leo dedicated his life to serve as an advocate. In honor of his commitment to his advocacy work, Leo was granted a lifetime membership in The Arc of Caddo-Bossier. Leo is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Madeline Martin Berggreen; their three children, Lori Berggreen, Dana B. Ohmstede (Gene Ohmstede, III), Robert E. Berggreen; his brother, Monsignor Robert H. Berggreen; grandchildren, Chase (Evelyn) Ohmstede, Hayes Ohmstede, Abby Ohmstede and Graham Ohmstede; great-grandchildren, Penny, Tallulah and Danni-Grace; a cousin, David Browne; a brother-in-law and two sisters-in law; countless nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his mother, Lena Browne Berggreen; his father, Holger Christian "Bob" Berggreen; and brothers, Alfred "Nick" Berggreen, Andrew Frank Berggreen, Cole J. Berggreen; and sisters, Lorraine B. Verbois, Eldora "Bonnie" B. Somsen and Mary B. Castille. The family would like to extend their sincerest thanks to Dr. Charles Berggreen, M.D., Dr. Andrew Nelson, M.D., Dr. Richard Lieux, M.D., Dr. Mark Posner, M.D., Dr. Joseph Cefalu, M.D., caregivers Candy, Mary, Gloria, Barnett and Latrice. The family also expresses a heartfelt thanks to Hospice of Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge General Mid City Rehab Unit, and Phyllis, Jenna, Walter and Joanna with Pinnacle Home Health for the kindness they have shown. Visitation will be held at St. Gabriel Catholic Church on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at 10:00 am then Mass of the Christian Burial at 12:00 p.m. Followed by Burial in St. Gabriel Cemetery. Rev. Jeff Bayhi to officiate. Pallbearers will be Robert E. Berggreen, Gene Ohmstede, III, Charles Berggreen, Peter "Pete" Verbois, David P. Browne, Jeffrey Sibille, Earl J. Martin, III, Gerald "Jerry" Durand, Barry Meyer, Kullen Blouin and Barrick Wittman. Honorary Pallbearers are Former Mayor Kip Holden ,Michael "Mike" Leblanc, W. H. "Bill" Lee and Matthew "Matt" Castille. Kim May serving as Cross Bearer. Memorial donations can be made in his honor to The Arc of Louisiana to support his passion and help continue their mission in his memory. Donate online at: www.thearcla.org. Donate via mail: The Arc of Louisiana, 600 Colonial Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70806.