Leann Kay Breed

11/15/1948 - 2/16/2026

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Obituary For Leann Kay Breed

Leann Kay (Coble) Breed, 77, of Eau Claire, WI, passed away peacefully in Ft. Myers, Florida on Monday, Feb. 16. She was born on November 15, 1948, in Sterling, IL to Leo and Vera (Johnson) Coble.

In her childhood, Leann greatly enjoyed music, by lending her soprano voice to local choirs and playing the flute. Leann met the love of her life, Mel Breed, at Illinois State University in Normal, IL. They married on August 25, 1968, and were happily married for 53 years. They shared a deep love for each other, their family, and their communities. They were also ardent travelers who enjoyed crossing the globe and learning from the people they met and places they visited.

Leann always deeply cared for children, believing that championing and caring for them was one of the highest callings. She dedicated herself to that belief in her professional and personal lives, starting with the foundation of Kaleidoscope, Inc., a child welfare agency that provides therapeutic foster homes and services for hundreds of troubled and neglected youth and families in Illinois. During that time, she and Mel had their two children, Amy and Joel, and settled in Merna, IL. Her favorite job during her time in Illinois was as the secretary for Northpointe Elementary in Normal.

After the family moved from Illinois to Eau Claire in 1993, Leann earned a Bachelor’s Degree of early childhood education from UW-Stout, graduating Summa Cum Laude. For eight years, she taught second-grade at both Cleghorn and Putnam Heights, where she touched the lives of hundreds of children. She also served on the boards for both the Children’s Museum of Eau Claire and the Boys and Girls Club of the Greater Chippewa Valley, further cementing her place as an advocate for building a community where children could thrive. She was an active community member throughout her life, participating in organizations like the Lutheran Brotherhood, Educate Tanzania, and the McLean County League of Women Voters.

Leann was a dedicated mother and grandmother, who truly believed in her children and supported them in every endeavor. She rarely missed a game, concert, show, or event. She always believed in the dreams of others, and was quick to offer a kind word of advice or simply an ear to listen.

In her spare time, Leann was an avid player of games, enjoying cards with loved ones over the holiday dinner table or playing word games with her family and friends. Her quick wit and one-liners were a staple of any gathering. One of her favorites was, “I never win at this game!” …which was usually said before she would lay down a winning hand while performing her signature victory dance.

Her legacy of kindness and compassion will live on in her family, friends, and community, and she will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Her family takes comfort knowing that she’s now reunited with her Mel, and that they’re taking a long, slow pontoon ride around Long Lake together.

Leann is survived by: her children, Amy and Joel; her grandchildren, Berit Rhody (husband, Jake), Harrison, Emerson, and Jackson; her brother, Larry (Janet), many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family (Chris, LeAnn, Rhylee and Reagan), and former in-laws (Jessica and Torry).

She was preceded in death by; her parents, Leo and Vera Coble, and her husband, Mel Breed.

The memorial service will be held March 14 at Spirit Lutheran Church, Eau Claire, WI. A visitation will begin at 10 a.m., with the service at 11:30 a.m.

In the spirit of Mel and Leann, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a non-profit of your choosing.

Services

14 Mar

Visitation

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Spirit Lutheran Church 1310 Main St. Eau Claire, WI 54701 Get Directions »
14 Mar

Memorial Service

11:30 AM

Spirit Lutheran Church 1310 Main St. Eau Claire, WI 54701 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • 02/28/2026

    Joel Moses

    Many beautiful words have been spoken about LeAnn, but mine carries a very personal story. In 2002, LeAnn met my late mother, Anastasia, in a small church kitchen at Kaisho parish in Karagwe Diocese -Tanzania, where she had gone to see how local food was prepared. Language was not a barrier, their hearts connected and spoke a language beyond words. LeAnn was so moved by my mother's humility and warmth that she immediately shared the experience with her beloved husband, Mel, who insisted on meeting both my mother and my father, Moses. I was only in pre-class then, but that encounter would quietly shape my entire future. What a coincidence, Mel and Moses shared wedding dates and Months. Mel and LeAnn chose to support my brothers and me in our primary education. They visited our humble home in 2006, just months before my mother passed away. I still remember their joyful faces, the meal we shared, and the generosity that filled our house with dignity and hope. In 2012, when I was a confused young adolescent uncertain about my future, they returned again. That visit changed everything. I served as their interpreter with my limited English, and through that connection I later met the Guelzow family whose continued support helped guide me to where I stand today. Today, I am a proud State Attorney in Tanzania and it all began with LeAnn's compassion. I am living proof that her love crossed oceans and transformed lives. Her legacy is not only remembered; it is alive. I am a living testimony of their love, compassion, and faith in others. What began as a simple visit to a church kitchen became a legacy that transformed my life. Their kindness crossed oceans, and their impact will never be forgotten. With deepest gratitude and heartfelt sympathy, Joel Moses - State Attorney Tanzania

  • 02/28/2026

    Jeannine Loros

    Leann and I became special friends when we met at Long Lake, Wisconsin. Our families had such fun times together. Leann and I loved canoeing and watching for loons. We were the founding members of Long Lake Loon Club. We alternated presidential responsibilities, which wasn't hard, because we were the only members. She taught me many things...how to enjoy peach schnapps, that pearl earrings go with everything, and laughter is the best medicine. I shall miss her loveliness and laugh, but am content in that she is with her beloved Mel. Rest in peace sweet friend 🧡.

  • 02/27/2026

    Cathy Reitz

    Hugs to hold you together. How lucky to have memories from a mother so wonderful. A donation has been made to Stand the Light Memory Choir in her memory.

  • 02/27/2026

    Ernest Tumuombe Anthony

    May God rest Lean and Breed in peace. Since I met them about 15 years ago at Isingiro Kyerwa District, I had found another Dad and Mom, they loved me and my wife so much, they supported our 3 boys at Iman English Medium School for their Education, now two of them working the last one in second year of university college. It was so painful to me when I received the loss of Mr. Breed and now our Mom Learn. They shall remain alive in our hearts, because their deeds are ever living. They touched many lives, especially in our Karagwe Diocese. May our Lord grant peace to their family (children and grandchildren) may our Lord grant you all the strength during this period and ever in physical absence of our parents, always keep them in your heart, may our Lord grant you the strength and capacity of wearing their shoes especially for unprevereged children. Ernest Tumuombe Anthony From Karukwanzi Parish -Kyerwa District.

  • 02/26/2026

    Bob & Vicki McCoy

    We are sorry to hear of Leann's passing. We so enjoyed traveling with her, and Mel. She was always to polite & pleasant. She was always there to great us when we played poker at their home. She will long be remembered by all who knew her. Bob & Vicki McCoy

  • 02/25/2026

    Lisa Rubey

    Peace be with all who mourn. Leann was a beautiful person who will be missed by many.

  • 02/25/2026

    Stasi Dill-Alexander

    My heart aches for you and your family. Sending all my love and prayers during this time.

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