2021 Senate Joint Resolution 108
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: honoring the life and public service of Senator Joseph Leean.
Whereas, Senator Joseph “Joe” Leean, a public servant and dedicated husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on February 2, 2022; and
Whereas, Senator Leean was born to Sidney and Marie Leean on March 10, 1942, and was raised in Iola, Wisconsin, graduating from Iola High School as salutatorian in 1960; and
Whereas, Senator Leean earned his bachelor's degree from Augustana College in 1964 and went on to do graduate studies at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and Western Michigan University. Shortly thereafter, he began teaching high school math and physics in Waupaca; and
Whereas, Senator Leean spent his summers working at Ding's Dock until he purchased the business in 1973; he later purchased and renovated the boat now known as Chief Waupaca, fulfilling his dream of bringing a unique tour boat to the Waupaca Chain O' Lakes; and
Whereas, Senator Leean embarked upon many other business ventures, including expanding the Ponderosa into Fort Waupaca, creating a petting zoo themed park, and cofounding Shepherd of the Lakes Church with other business leaders in his community; and
Whereas, for over 20 years, Senator Leean served as president of the Chain O' Lakes Sanitary District, which developed the sewer system that has kept the lakes he loved crystal clear; and
Whereas, after a long career in business, in 1984, Senator Leean was elected to represent the people of the 14th Senate District, which he went on to serve for 10 years, until 1995; and
Whereas, during his tenure in the legislature, Senator Leean served with expertise on various committees, including the Joint Committee on Finance, which he co-chaired for several years; and
Whereas, Senator Leean left elected office to serve as secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services for six years, during which time he was instrumental in the creation of BadgerCare; and
Whereas, Senator Leean subsequently served as a consultant to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson in Washington, D.C.; and
Whereas, after 20 years in public service, Senator Leean spent the next two decades traveling, spending time with his family, building things in his workshop, and taking evening dinner cruises with his wife and family on the Senate Chambers paddle wheel boat; and
Whereas, Senator Leean is survived by his beloved wife, Virginia “Ginny,” three daughters, and seven grandchildren; he will be remembered fondly as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and community member; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the
senate, the assembly concurring, That the members of the Wisconsin State Legislature mourn the passing of Senator Joe Leean and extend their condolences to his family and friends; and, be it further
Resolved, That the senate chief clerk shall provide copies of this joint resolution to Senator Leean's family; and, be it further
Resolved, That flags across Wisconsin shall fly at half-staff on February 16, 2022, in honor of the celebration of his life.
