Obituary of Leslie A. Peckham

Leslie A. Peckham entered into eternal life surrounded by his loving family December 11, 2012. He was born in Gillingham in Richland County Wisconsin to Grant and Berkie Peckham. He was a farm boy the youngest of seven. Les graduated from Richland Center High School in 1940. He attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison and was a World War II veteran serving in the European Theatre for 22 months. He received training at the University of Georgia, plus training at Camp Shelby, Mississippi and maneuvers in Louisiana. Leslie met his beautiful wife Edith while he was attending the University of Georgia. They were married on September 17, 1946 in Athens, Georgia. They lived in Palmyra, and Monroe but were long time residents of Fort Atkinson. Les was an employee of several dairying organizations including twelve years with the Jefferson County DHIA. He later had offices in Waukesha County in which he managed the Waukesha Breeding Cooperative and later became manager of the Wisconsin Guernsey Breeding Association. He then was employed by the American Guernsey Cattle Club in Peterborough, New Hampshire from which he was a Field Representative for the North Central States, Arkansas and Oklahoma. Les was active with the Dairy Expo for a number years being honored with the FOE award. A Leslie Peckham scholarship was established in his name for the dairy students at Iowa State University. Les was a member of St. Johns Community church in Fort Atkinson. He served on the church visitation team. He also was a member of the Fort Atkinson Historical Society, being active for years at the museum, the National Dairy Shrine and the food pantry. Les enjoyed music, sports, dancing, traveling, storytelling, the love of writing and a good game of euchre. He also enjoyed time spent with his family and friends. Through Leslie's time spent traveling, he established many friendships he treasured and were a blessing in his life. He will be greatly missed by his loving wife Edith of sixty six years, his daughters Brenda Martinez (Randy) of Waukesha, WI, Teresa Thom(Ken) of El Dorado, CA. Grandchildren Jameson Martinez of Brookfield,WI, Rachel Martinez at The University of Oshkosh,WI and Matthew Thom (Alison) of San Diego,CA. He is further survived by loving nieces and nephews many friends and a very special Sister-in-Law Maxine Peckham. Services to be held at Nitardy Funeral Home in Fort Atkinson. Visitation will be held Saturday December 15, 2012 from 10AM till 12PM with the Memorial Service to follow at 12PM with Rev. Kevin Butler officiating. In lieu of flowers charitable donations to Hartland Terrace 327 North Ave. Hartland , WI 53029 in loving memory of Leslie Peckham. The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks to the staff of Hartland Terrace and Allay Hospice for their compassion and exceptional kindness and care provided to our beloved Les