Leland Walter Hanstedt, age 90, of Hobart, WI, passed away peacefully on February 28th at Country Villa Assisted Living in Pulaski. He will be remembered always for his gentle spirit, steady presence, and warm, welcoming smile.

Lee was born on July 15, 1935, in Two Rivers, WI, to Walter and Anna Hanstedt. In his soft, quiet voice, he loved telling the story of how he came to have two birthdays. His mother celebrated him every year on July 10th, only for Lee to discover as an adult that his birth certificate listed July 15th. True to his calm and easygoing nature, he accepted the discrepancy without hesitation—though his family lovingly chose to celebrate both days, just to be sure.

Lee's childhood was filled with stories of hard work, family devotion, and unwavering loyalty. At age nine, he welcomed a baby sister, Mary Ann, and despite the years between them, they grew to cherish one another deeply. He also treasured time spent with his Melnarik/Sinkler cousins in Denmark, who felt more like siblings than cousins.

After graduating from Two Rivers High School in 1953, Lee's life was forever changed one night at the Riverside Ballroom in Green Bay. While listening to Romy Gosz, he noticed a beautiful young woman from Oneida and asked her to dance. That moment began a lifelong love story with Dolores "Lolly" Hanstedt.

After graduation, Lee joined the Air Force and was stationed at Hahn Air Force base Germany, working in aircraft electronics. He and Lolly exchanged handwritten letters across the ocean, building a bond strong enough to withstand distance and time. With the help of his little sister, Lee proposed by mail, sending a ring and a promise. Lee and Lolly were married on November 29, 1958, beginning their life together in Germany, where their first child, Terry, was born. Lee often shared fond memories of their time abroad—the friends they made, the work he loved, and the adventures they embraced.

After returning to the United States, Lee and Lolly welcomed two daughters, Janelle and Karen. Their home was filled with camping trips, travel, and the kind of everyday adventures that become lifelong memories. Years later, they surprised their children not with a new snowblower or a pet horse, but with a baby brother. Scott's arrival completed their family and added even more joy to their lives.

Throughout his life, Lee was blessed with a close-knit group of friends who became like family. Whether they were bowling together, heading out on fishing trips, or traveling as a group, these friendships brought Lee and Lolly tremendous joy. The laughter, stories, and camaraderie they shared were among the great treasures of his life, and he held each of those friendships with deep affection.

Family was the heart of everything Lee did. He showed his love in quiet, steady ways, especially in the tender devotion he held for Lolly. When he became a grandfather, his gentle nature drew his grandchildren to him instantly.

After Lolly passed away, Lee opened his heart to Betty Lou Vervoren in 2014.  Betty Lou's loving presence in Lee's life is testimony that God has a plan for us in beautiful and unexpected ways.

Lee's legacy extends through his work, his talents, and his faith. He spent 35 years at Paper Converting Machine Company in the controls department and technical support, forming friendships that lasted a lifetime. He was proud of the work he did and the people he worked alongside.

With hands as dependable as his character, Lee could build or fix nearly anything. Woodworking, an art passed down from his father, became one of his greatest joys. Many people were blessed with the beautiful pieces he crafted over the years.

Lee and Lolly raised their family in faith, offering gentle guidance and a steadfast example of living a good life with God at the center. Throughout his life, Lee was a quiet beacon of kindness. His children and grandchildren will forever carry the imprint of his love—tender in expression, yet strong beyond measure.

Lee is survived by Betty Lou Vervoren; his four children, Terry (Judy) Hanstedt, Janelle (Ron) DeRuyter, Karen (Tony) Sikorski, and Scott (Maria) Hanstedt; his seven grandchildren, Jackie (Matt) Markowski, Josh (Brittany) Hanstedt, Jason (Sara) Hanstedt, Nicki (Jake) Prindle, Tina (Alex) Engel, Luke Hanstedt, and Anna Hanstedt; and ten great‑grandchildren, Jake, Mitchell, and Molly Markowski; Emsley and Porter Hanstedt; Oliver Hanstedt; Tate and Brooks Prindle; and Wes and Lilly Engel; one brother in law, Kermit Klein, six brothers and sisters-in-law on Lolly's side of the family including, Bill and JoAnn VandenLangenberg, Harold and Jean VandeLangenberg, Alice VandenLangenberg, Anna Matuszak, and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Anna Hanstedt; his beloved wife, Lolly; his sister, Mary Ann Klein; four brothers and sisters-in-law, Jerry and Joan VandenLangenberg, Larry VandenLangenberg, and Ralph Matuszak; two nephews, Timothy VandenLangenberg and John VandenLangenberg.

Family and friends may gather on Saturday, March 7th, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church at 145 St. Joseph Drive, Oneida, WI.  Visitation will be held from 9:00 to 11:00 with a memorial mass at 11:00, Father Paider presiding.  Burial will be at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Oneida, WI.  Blaney Funeral Home and Cremation is assisting the family with arrangements.

The family extends sincere gratitude to the staff at Country Villas and St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate care.  Lee's family would also like to thank all the friends and family who supported Lee with love and prayer through his journey, especially "the Sinkler Girls" for always remembering Lee with kolaches and baked goods.