Charles Lederman of Monroe, passed away at the age of 92 on Sunday, April 30, 2023 surrounded by the love of his family. Charles was born on October 27, 1930 to Walter and Alvina Lederman at home on the family farm in Brodhead, Wisconsin during the midst of harvest season. He was the oldest of three children. Charles graduated from Brodhead High School and then served with the United States Army from 1956 to 1958 at Schweinfurt Germany. After serving his country, Charles returned to Brodhead where he worked the family farm until 85 years of age. Charles was a proud farmer who milked 40 cows and raised over 400 hogs per year!
Charles married Lela Ladwig in 1958. Together, they raised their sons, Wayne, Dennis and Dean, on the family farm. In 1991, Charles married Leona (Mellenberger) and the two resided in Monroe throughout their marriage. Leona’s children, Tim, Teffanie and Tana have been blessed to have Charles as part of their family for 32 years. In addition to family and farming, Charles spent his time traveling with Leona to polka festivals where they developed numerous friendships over the years. He attended the Green County Fair for over thirty years to watch his sons, grandson, and many others he didn’t know show cattle through local FFA chapters. Charles was on the Board for Decatur Swiss Cheese Co-op for over 30 years. He was a member of St. John’s United Church of Christ in Monroe and the Monroe Moose Lodge. Other passions included fishing, playing cards, watching Packers, Brewers and Badger games, and attending his grandchildren’s activities. He loved to talk with others and was known for his humor.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Alvina, his first wife, Lela, and brother-in-law, Bob. He is survived by his wife, Leona; his three sons, Wayne (Dianne) Lederman, Dennis (Chris) Lederman, and Dean (Candy) Lederman; his three step-children, Timothy Mellenberger, Teffanie (Alan) Duffy, and Tana (Rich) Kubly. He has eight grandchildren, Garrett (Dakota) Lederman, Larissa Lederman, Brandon Lederman, Kasie (Shane) Murphy, Christina Mellenberger, Johanna Mellenberger, Blake Duffy, and McKenna Kubly. He recently became a great-grandfather to Haisley and with a great-grandson joining the Lederman family soon. He is further survived by a brother, Don (Joy) Lederman and a sister, Phyllis Duchesneau, as well as nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 4, 2023, at 11:30 a.m., at St. John’s United Church of Christ, Monroe, with Rev. Tiff Bates officiating. Interment with military rites will follow in Greenwood Cemetery, Monroe. Visitation will be on Wednesday, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, Monroe, and at the church on Thursday from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service. A memorial fund will be established in his name. Condolences may be shared at www.newcomerfuneralhome.net
