It is with profound sadness and broken hearts that we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of Leeann Busse, age 50, on July 25, 2025. Her departure has left an unimaginable void in the lives of all who knew her. Larger than life in every possible way, Leeann was a woman whose strength, humor, compassion, and love radiated through every room she entered and lingered long after she left.

Born on April 10, 1975, in Milwaukee, WI, Leeann was the youngest daughter of Linda Jerred and Joe LaGosh. From a young age, she displayed a sharp wit, an insatiable curiosity, and a fiercely loyal nature that would define her for the rest of her life. Her siblings, Laura, Lisa, and Michael, recall a childhood filled with laughter, impromptu performances, family game nights, and an unshakable bond that grew stronger through the years. From childhood, she was the one sneaking whoopee cushions under couch cushions and pulling pranks that somehow managed to be both absurd and clever.

Leeann was the kind of woman you never forgot. She didn’t just walk into a room; she burst into it, lit it up (much like her farts), and made everybody’s day so much brighter just by being herself. A master of mischief, a lover of life, and a champion of the perfectly timed fart joke, Leeann had a gift for joy that most of us can only dream of.

Leeann was the kind of person who made an impression often loud, always authentic. Whether she was organizing a school cultural event, rallying a group of friends for a delicious meal, or spending quality time with her children, she brought her full self to every moment.

She was bold, brave, energetic, hilarious, loyal, and always loving. She wore her heart on her sleeve, and there was never any doubt about how she felt or how much she truly cared. A devoted and gifted teacher, Leeann spent nearly three decades shaping young minds. She taught at Heritage Elementary School for 25 years and most recently at Fox View Intermediate School in the De Pere School District. Generations of students found in her not only a dedicated educator but also a fierce advocate and a trusted mentor.

She was also known by her students, family and friends as the grammar police. Her classroom was a safe haven for kids who didn’t always fit in elsewhere, and her lessons extended far beyond the pages of any textbook. Leeann hosted classroom parties in the summer at her house, bowling and picnics. She taught empathy, resilience, critical thinking, and kindness with a huge dose of humor and a whole lot of heart. Colleagues remember her as the soul of the school, the one who made everyone feel special, and the biggest practical joker. She had a knack for bringing people together teachers, students, parents and making them feel part of something meaningful.

Leeann lived loudly and loved fiercely. Her laugh unmistakable and contagious could brighten even the darkest days. She had a gift for making people feel seen and heard, especially those who needed it most. Whether it was a neighbor going through a hard time, a friend in crisis, or a student battling self-doubt, Leeann showed up. Always.

Leeann absolutely loved to travel! She packed in as many vacations as she could each year. While she was on one vacation, she was already planning the next one. She loved ocean excursions and the beaches most of all.

Leeann’s proudest role by far was that of a wife and mother. Leeann leaves behind her beloved husband of 20 years and two precious children who were the light of her life and the center of her universe. She raised her children with unwavering love, humor, and intention.

Her parenting was a beautiful blend of fierce protection, honest conversation, and joyful chaos. She was constantly taking her kids on adventures, learning experiences, camping, and vacations. She is survived by her husband, Chris “Dexter” Busse, her children, Mason (18) and Aaleigh (12), her mother, Linda (Floyd) Jerred, her siblings, Laura (Kelly) Rollin, Lisa (Tim) Francis and Michael (Jamie) Jerred, father in law Donald Busse, brother in laws Brad (Becky) Busse, DJay Busse her nieces and nephews whom she adored and many other family members. She was the glue that kept the family connected, even across distance and time. She is further survived by countless friends whom she treated like family and hundreds of former students whose lives she forever changed as well as their families.

She was preceded in death by her Father Joe and Mother in law Evey Busse.

The world feels a little dimmer without her radiant presence, but her spirit lives on in the countless lives she touched and in the stories we’ll continue to tell—because Leeann never did anything halfway, and her legacy is no exception.

A visitation will be held Friday, August 1st, 3:00-8:00pm at Cotter Funeral Home in Wrightstown WI. An additional visitation will be held at the same location on Saturday, August 2nd, 10:00am-12:00 pm, with a celebration of life ceremony at noon. In lieu of flowers, the family is accepting donations for a scholarship fund to help support De Pere