In Memoriam: “Band Mom” Phyllis Leckrone

Phyllis Bechtold Leckrone, 81, wife of longtime UW Marching Band director Mike Leckrone, passed away Aug. 8 following a long illness. She was surrounded by family.

A native of North Manchester, Ind., she and her husband met in junior high school and became childhood sweethearts. They were married 62 years.

A dedicated educator in her own right, Phyllis Leckrone taught with the Middleton-Cross Plains school district for more than 25 years.

Mike Leckrone joined the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1969. Since then, Phyllis has served as “band mom” to thousands of marching band students. Though behind-the-scenes, her care, dedication and support touched generations of Badger Band members.

Mike and Phyllis Leckrone married in 1955. She is survived by five children, eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Visitation will occur from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 10, and again from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11, at Holy Wisdom Monastery, 4200 County Rd M, Middleton. The service will be held there at 1 p.m. Friday. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to her favorite charity, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, www.stjude.org/donate.