Lennys (Jelle) Luchsinger passed away at the age of 93, on Wednesday January 10, 2018, at her home of 62 years. Her daughters were at her side and her house was full of family, as it so often was. Lennys was born on the "Davidson Home Place" in Perry Township on October 23, 1924, to Clarence and Agnes (Davidson) Jelle.

After a couple of years the family moved to what was always referred to as the "Old Place" until a new home was built on the hill. She attended Tyvand Country School through eighth grade. Her first two years of high school were in Blanchardville. When bus service was established she transferred to New Glarus High School, which she didn't mind because Home Economics and Typing were offered there. She graduated from NGHS in 1942.

After a few years of working in Madison she met Willis Luchsinger. They married at Perry Lutheran Church in Daleyville, WI, on October 17, 1945. They farmed on the Davidson Home Place until 1956 when they moved to New Glarus. Lennys finished her career as Activity Director at the New Glarus Home. They remained in their home until their deaths.

Church was very important to her. She was involved in all aspects of her church, from teaching Sunday School to serving on the committee for the 50th Anniversary of Shepherd of the Hills. By her example, she inspired her family to be community volunteers. Alongside her church work she was active in 4-H, she taught a Norwegian Class and was very active in the Sons of Norway. She was very creative and shared her talents of painting. She loved to sew and offered her talents to help with mending and sewing for friends, family and community. She quilted! And gave each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren quilts as gifts. Her flower gardens reflected her love of working in the dirt. In short, there was nothing she wouldn't learn or try. The only two things she didn't do was ride a bike or learn to swim (even though she loved the water!).

She was described as a "clear eyed optimist" by Dr. Roberts, her physician. She loved tracing her family genealogies and sharing stories of growing up. But perhaps the strongest influence she imparted was her love of family and her openness to anyone and everyone her family brought home. There was never judgment. One of her last wishes was "Remember me and Dad as loving parents!"

Lennys is survived by her daughters, Lynn (Ben) Schwoerer, Beth Luchsinger, Kaye (William Daehler) Gmur and Lori (Byron) Ward. Her family continues with grandchildren, Teresa (Tim) Pelton, Jim (Verena) Schwoerer, Joy Warner, Tiffany Schwoerer, Jamie Doeseckle, Monika (Robert) Pernot, William (Lynnette) Gmur, Teresa Gmur, Jeremie Ward and Melissa (Phil Stoffel) Ward; great-grandchildren, Amanda Pelton, Derek and Karl Schwoerer, Jessica and Molly Warner, Sydney and William Doeseckle, Trisha and Trevor (Danielle) Pernot, Jakob and Josef Gmur, Spencer and Anthony Ward, Dominick, Jane and Matthew Stoffel; and great-great-granddaughters, Stephanie and Emmylou. Her remaining sister-in-law is Marietha (Ray) Jelle. Many nieces and nephews also mourn her passing.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Agnes (Davidson) Jelle; husband, Willis Elmer Luchsinger; brothers, Obert and Alster Jelle; sisters, Carol Nyland and Sharon Durst; sister-in-law, Carol (Theobald) Jelle; brothers-in-law, Fritz Durst and Ken Nyland; son-in-law, Karl Gmur; and grandson, Kristopher Gmur.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, January 13, 2018, at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 506 Twelfth Avenue, in New Glarus. Visitation was at 12:30 p.m., followed by the service at 2:00 p.m. Pie and coffee (Lennys's favorite) was served in the fellowship hall immediately following.

Suggested memorials can be made to the Old York Church Cemetery Fund.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Roberts of the UW Family Practice Clinic Belleville and Monroe Clinic Hospice; and the comfort of condolences and food from family, friends, neighbors and relatives.