Obit: Leschensky, Rev. James Eugene (1945 - 2018)

Transcriber: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Bird, Heiser, Leschensky, Schottelkorb

----Source: The Cornell Courier - Sentinel (Cornell, WI) 3/27/2018

Leschensky, Rev. James “Jim” Eugene (8 MAY 1945 - 25 MAR 2018)

The Rev. James “Jim” Eugene Leschensky, 72, Cornell, passed away Sunday, March 25, 2018, at his home.

Jim was born May 8, 1945, the son of Eugene and Gertrude (Heiser) Leschensky. He was raised in the Pepin and Menomonie areas, and later moved to Minneapolis, Minn. He graduated from Southwest High School in 1963.

Jim went on to get his bachelor’s degree in sociology from Augsburg University in Minnesota, and continued his education at Luther Seminary College, where he graduated. He became an ordained minister June 13, 1971.

While living in Cornell, he was very active within the community, and sat on a number of different boards and councils. Among those was the Chippewa County Board, where he was chairman for two years, and he even served as the mayor of Cornell for some time.

He shared his ministry with many people and led many churches. He was in the Navy Reserves as a Chaplin from 1969-72, he led St. John’s Church in Reedsburg, from 1971-74, the First Lutheran Church in Hutchison, Minn., from 1974-78, and Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Cornell, from 1978-2009. Jim was always a light for those in need.

He is survived by his children – Amy Bird, Blaine, Minn., and Evan Leschensky, Cornell; and his grandchildren – Alison Bird and James Leschensky.

He was preceded in death by his parents – Eugene and Gertrude.

A memorial service was held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, April 3, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Cornell, with Pastor Andy Schottelkorb officiating. A private family inurnment will take place at the Cornell Cemetery at a later date.

Visitation was held from 3-7 p.m., Monday, April 2, at Borton-Leiser Funeral Home in Cornell, and also one hour prior to services Tuesday, at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Legion Post 353 or the American Cancer Society.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.leiserbortonfuneralhome.com.