Maryjean “Jeannie” Halderson, 90, of Rockland, WI, passed away Friday, May 15, 2026, at Bethany St. Joseph Care Center in La Crosse, WI.
Jeannie was born October 11, 1935, on St. Mary’s Ridge, to Arthur and Agnes (Hemmersbach) Leis. She was united in holy matrimony to Vilas Halderson on May 7, 1957, at St. Mary’s Ridge Catholic Church.
When she and Vilas married, they built a life together on the farm they owned and operated side by side. She worked with him faithfully up until his passing in 1981, embracing every part of farm life with quiet strength and joy. She had endless patience with the calves, a gift for raising big, beautiful gardens, and a love for canning that filled the home with the comforts of each season.
Jeannie was also exceptionally talented with her hands, creating beautiful needlework and embroidery pieces that her family will cherish forever. Above all, she loved children—her own, the little ones who crossed her path, and especially her great grandchildren, who brought her immeasurable joy. Her legacy is one of gentleness, devotion, and a heart that made everyone around her feel loved.
Jeannie is survived by her children, Sandra (Ernie) Ryan, Donald (Debbie) Halderson, and Carol (Michael) Demko; grandchildren and great grandchildren, Andrew (Carrie) Ryan and their kids, Camden, Hunter, and Sutton, Hali (Jarett) Dement, Dustin (Kaitlin) Halderson and kids, Harris and Hayes, Danny (Abby) Halderson, and kids Leo and Macy, Christine (BJ) Beckmann, Nicholas (Jessica) Demko, and kids Mason, Janssen, and Kassady; siblings, Emery Leis, Delbert (Ruth) Leis, Angie Leis, and Anna Mae Antony; sisters-in-law, Linda and Diane Leis; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Jeannie was preceded in death by her husband Vilas in 1981; brothers and sisters, Ernie (Leona) Leis, Urban (Irma) Leis, Nyle (Sally) Leis, Donald Leis, Mark Leis, Jeanette (Howard) Antony; sister and brothers-in-law, Betty Leis, Reynold Leis, and Al Antony.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, May 23, 2026, 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church on Middle Ridge. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Father Sengole Vethanayagam will officiate. Family and friends are invited for visitation Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Casual attire is requested at the funeral.
Jeannie’s family would like to thank Bethany St. Joseph Care center for the exceptional care given to their mom.
The Torkelson Funeral Home of Cashton, WI, is assisting the family with details. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
Torkelson Funeral Home
