Leo Backes

Leo Clifford Backes, age 77, of Milwaukee, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 22, 2024. He spent his last few months living with his son's family in Dale, Wisconsin. He was born on February 24, 1947, in the Town of Dubuque, Iowa, to his parents Leo A. and Mathilda M. (Phohl) Backes.

On July 14, 1973, he married Mary Ann Schieltz, and they enjoyed almost 30 years together until she passed away in 2003. Leo farmed most of his life. He continued to work in agriculture until retiring in 2013. He enjoyed restoring his Farmall C and driving it in local parades. He was a loving man who enjoyed serving the people in his community. Leo was very proud of acquiring his fourth degree in the Knights of Columbus Assembly 2424. After retirement, he moved to Milwaukee with his special friend, Nancy Gollmer, and enjoyed traveling and visiting family.

Leo considered his greatest success to be his loving family. He is survived by his brother: Ray (Elaine) Backes; caring sons: Joe (Kim) Backes, Craig (Michelle) Backes, Kevin (Tonya) Backes: his beloved daughters, Amy (Don) Reints, Sarah (Justin) Premo, Emily (Phil) Hoffmann; 14 grandchildren: Nate Backes, Hannah Reints, Alyssa Backes, Abigail Backes, Carolynn Backes, Tyler Reints, Evelyn Backes, Vincent Backes, Wyatt Premo, Easton Premo, Levi Hoffmann, August Hoffmann, Charles Hoffmann, and Julia Hoffmann.

In addition to his wife, Mary Ann Backes, Leo was preceded in death by his father Leo A. Backes, his mother Mathilda M. Backes, and his sister Rita Decker.

Funeral services for Leo Clifford Backes will be held at St. Philomena Catholic Church in Belmont, Wisconsin on Thursday, August 29, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be in St. Philomena Cemetery in Belmont, WI. A visitation will be held at the church on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.

Leo's family would like to thank the staff of Compassus Hospice of Neenah and especially Miranda Meyer for all of the care and support given to Leo and the family over the last few months.