Donald E. Leighty

POYNETTE  --  Donald E. Leighty, age 91, passed away at his home on Wednesday, July 1, 2015.

He was born on November 19, 1923, the son of Clement and Agnes (Ludwig) Leighty.  Donald attended Buckwheat Ridge School and also graduated from Platteville High School.  In August of 1952, he married Margaret Jean Zeller.  They lived, worked and raised their family in Madison, until Donald retired and they moved to Poynette.  Donald was a regional sales manager for Diamond Saw, out of Chaffe, New York.  Don loved to hunt (especially turkeys) and fish (especially trout).  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and Immaculate Heart of Mary until moving to Poynette when they joined St. Thomas Church.

Donald is survived by his children, Julie Leighty of Madison, John Leighty (Leah) of Arlington, Janet Leighty of Pompano Beach, Florida, Jim Leighty (Karen) of Cottage Grove, and Joanne Leighty of Madison;  grandsons, Chris and Nic; and favorite granddaughter, Erika.  He is also survived by a sister, Joan Kuehl of Platteville;  brother, Keith Leighty of Platteville;  brother-in-law, Harvey Mitchell of Madison;  niece, Deanna Koralesky of LaCrosse;  great-nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Jean on April 22, 1992;  his father in 1978;  his mother in 1983;  sisters, Anna Marie,  Doris (Murphy) Leighty and Patricia (Mitchell) Leighty;  brothers, Darrell Leighty, Ora Leighty, and James Leighty;  brothers-in-law, Matt Murphy and Gilbert Kuehl;  and sisters-in-law, Harriet Leighty, and Elizabeth Leighty. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7, 2015 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Poynette, with Fr. Raymond Dischler presiding.  Burial will be at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday in Highland Memory Gardens, Cottage Grove.  Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, July 6, 2015 at the Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Poynette, and on Tuesday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.

The family would like to thank BrightStar Care and Irene’s International Home Care for the care and kindness shown to Donald.