Leola Ann Brechtel

Leola Ann Brechtel, 84, of Louisville, KY, formerly of Freeport, IL passed away Tuesday May 7, 2024 at Village Crossing Retirement Community in Louisville. She was born July 17, 1939 in Burlington, IA to Howard and Harriette (Breuer) Lane. Leola graduated from Mediapolis High School in 1957. After high school she attended Iowa Wesleyan University and graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education in 1961. After graduating college, she moved to Freeport, IL and started her 40 year teaching career. She taught kindergarten at Center School, Empire Elementary, and Jones-Farrar Early Learning Center. Upon retiring in 2002, she was the recipient of the YWCA Women of Achievement Award. Leola also worked at FHN Memorial Hospital in the Emergency Room Registration for ten years. She was a life member of the First United Methodist Church in Mediapolis, IA. Leola enjoyed music, especially playing the piano for her kindergarten students and accompanying the Joy Singers group in Freeport. Leola was also a member of the Red Hat Society. She enjoyed family get togethers and spending time with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her children Alane (Dr. Michael) McFadden of Stockton, IL, Andra (Dennis) Nesnidal of Lousiville, KY; and Ashly (Nikki) Brechtel of McFarland, WI; eight grandchildren Emilee (Timothy) Vandenburgh, Zachary Nesnidal, Jakob Fransen, Abigail Nesnidal, Aiden Brechtel, Alivia McFadden, Camren Brechtel, and Kellen Brechtel; and one great-granddaughter Elsie Vandenburgh.

Preceding Leola in death is her parents, infant sister, and father of her children, Howard Brechtel.

A visitation will be held Saturday May 11 from 1:00-4:00 PM at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home in Freeport, IL. Arrangements are being made for services and burial at Kossuth Cemetery in Mediapolis, IA. A memorial has been established in her memory.