Peter Leland

Peter Andrew Leland was welcomed into this world with the unconditional love of his parents, Joseph and Lucille. When his mother passed away, Peter was only a year and a half old, yet he carried her love with him throughout his life. His dad and sisters took care of him for many years until it was no longer feasible.

Peter touched countless lives with his innocence, gentle spirit, and unwavering determination to do things for himself despite his disabilities. Through his life, he taught those around him patience, compassion, and the beauty of perseverance. We are deeply grateful that God blessed us with his presence, even as he faced many challenges. In his final weeks, conversations about Heaven brought him peace and hope, reminding us of all the promises of eternal life. Peter was truly a blessing to all who knew him.

Peter found great joy in life's simple pleasures, especially chocolate! M & M's and Hershey Bars! His most treasured possessions and comfort were his rocking chair where he kept a stack of greeting cards rubber banded together with a blessed wood rosary. He received all these greeting cards for holidays and birthdays over the years...he made sure they were always in his rocking chair and he held them while he rocked. Every day, he could be found in his chair, listening on his headphones to his favorite CDs or tuning in to the radio, especially when sports were on Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers and Milwaukee Brewers.

One of the most special relationships in Peter's life was with his roommate of more than 30 years, Jay. The two were inseparable, known by all as "best buddies." Peter worked at Reach, Inc. for many years and made many friends there before retiring.

Peter is survived by his sisters Jane (Ken) Shermo, Susan Best, and LuAnne (Jim) Caton and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph & Lucille Leland, infant sister Joan, sisters Josette Price, Ila Demco, Nancy Shermo-Denton, brother Mark Leland, brothers-in-law David Price, George Demco, Lester Shermo, Neil Denton and Roger Best.

He will be dearly missed by his sister, LuAnne & Jim Caton and their family Gina (Shane) Koonce, Angela Kost, Trisha Caton and Leah (Clayton) Hultman as well as his great-nieces and great-nephews Giselle and Gage Koonce, Bradyn and Evan Kost, Carter and Lenna Hultman.

The family would like to thank Reach, Inc., Dungarvin (formerly NPI) care providers, The Arc Eau Claire for their compassionate care and support over the years and St. Croix Hospice.

Peter's life was a gift, and his memory will continue to inspire and warm the hearts of all who knew and loved him. "Fly with the Angels, Peter!"

A Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at St. James the Greater Catholic Church, 2502 11th St, Eau Claire with Fr. Tom Krieg officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until time of mass. Burial will take place at St. Patrick Cemetery, Eau Claire.

Stokes, Prock & Mundt Funeral Chapel, Altoona is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.stokesprockandmundt.com.