February 7, 1935 – February 23, 2026
A tough exterior with a heart for his family and friends, Leon “Lee” Dederich was a man of many passions, hobbies, collections, and quirks. Growing up on Evergreen Farm in Loreta, Wisconsin, Lee’s appreciation for a hard day’s work came naturally. The second of five children born to Joe and Agnes Dederich, Lee was no stranger to a life of digging in deep, caring for those he loved, and handling immense responsibility.
At the age of nineteen, he joined the Navy. From 1954-1958, he would take countless trips on the USS General William Mitchell from Seattle, Washington, to Japan, collecting tattoos and life experiences along the way. Shortly after his honorable discharge from the Navy, Lee settled in Kenosha, WI, and began his 30-year career at American Motors as a Relief Man. It was there that he would meet the love of his life, Nancy Kirby (Jensen). Nancy was a widow and a working mother of five children. Lee was seven years her junior and accustomed to a life of motorcycles and freedom. On paper, they were an unlikely pair, but their love was strong, and they wed in 1964 with their best man and maid of honor, Don and Virginia Bauer, at their side. Together they enjoyed playing euchre with friends, traveling, and motorcycling- and they built a successful life with one another.
In 1981, Nancy suffered a life-altering stroke, and without a moment’s hesitation, Lee became her loyal caregiver, her voice, her strength. Lee’s love and unwavering care for Nancy allowed her to thrive and gave her a life of dignity and joy despite the challenges her health presented.
To know Lee was to know his love of his collections. His basement, lovingly nicknamed his “museum,” and his garages were carefully filled with gas engines, over 100 old wringer washing machines, tools, gadgets, and more. He loved playing cards with his buddies, John Deere tractors, Jerry Springer, cheese (and later in life – ice cream), and his family and dear friends.
Lee is survived by his sister, Leone (Don) Nachreiner; two sons, James (Linda) Kirby, William (Teri) Kirby; his daughter, Lila Chubrilo; son-in-law, Ronald Fechner- all of Kenosha; 14 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Lee is preceded in death by his parents Joe and Agnes Dederich; two brothers, Darrel (Nancy) Dederich, and Neal (Mary Lou) Dederich; his sister Connie (Norman) Stoltz; his beloved wife, Nancy Dederich; his daughters, Janice Johnson & Carole Fechner; son in laws, Robert Johnson and Fred Chubrilo; and two great-grandchildren, Matthew McDaniel & Katie Kreger.
Lee will be laid to rest alongside his beloved wife Nancy at Green Ridge Cemetery, surrounded by his loved ones. A celebration of life will follow at a later date.
Events
Final Resting Place
Green Ridge Cemetery
6604-7th Avenue KENOSHA, WI 53143
