Funeral held Friday for St. Croix County deputy Kaitie Leising

HUDSON, Wis. (WEAU) -A funeral for fallen St. Croix County Deputy, Kaitie Leising, was held Friday.

Hundreds of family, friends and law enforcement gathered for the public visitation at the Hudson High School, followed by her funeral and law enforcement honors in the parking lot. During the service, friends and coworkers spoke on behalf of Leising’s family about the impact she had on those around her.

Pastor Julie Scheibe was the first to speak on behalf of the family about fallen deputy Kaitie Leising.

“Kaitie was strong, determined, filled with love for her family. This amazing woman should still be with us. Kaitie knew she wanted to go into law enforcement. She had such a love for people, especially children, who always seemed to gravitate towards her. She was always willing and eager to help others around her. She had an amazing sparkle for life, always making others around her smile and laugh,” Scheibe said.

Deputy Fred Mangine spoke on behalf of Leising’s mother.

“Since day one, she’s been a scrappy little fighter. She left this world the same way. There’s no faking it from her. What you saw was genuine. She wore a heart on her sleeve. The smile in these pictures is one she wore daily. She brought brightness into unimaginable situations,” Mangine said.

Deputy Aaron Boldt spoke on behalf of Leising’s father.

“You arrived in my life earlier than expected and then left entirely too soon. And God needed a hero more than I did. It’s not goodbye. I’m saying it’s see you later. With love to my hero, Dad,” Boldt said.

Lt. Charles Coleman gave his own tribute to Leising.

“Kaitie loved all of her law enforcement. Kaitie has taught us how law enforcement should be. She is our beacon, a higher standard that all law enforcement should aim for,” Coleman said.

On behalf of Leising’s mother, Mangine asked for everyone to be as selfless as Leising was.

“We ask that in the midst of our shattered lives that we live the way she did. Be kind passionate. Take time to really see people. Never know where your next blessing will be. Your kindness will impact someone else,” Mangine said.

St. Croix County Sheriff Scott Knudson said Leising will always be remembered.

“She had such a way of treating people with dignity and respect. We are never going to let her go. Rest in peace Kaitie,” Knudson said.

You can watch the funeral below.

A procession also left Hudson High School after the honors.

In lieu of flowers, Fitzgerald says her family would instead like donations given to the National Law Enforcement Memorial. You can donate by clicking here.

Donations can also be sent to WESTconsin Credit Union. Checks should be written to “Benefit of Deputy Leising” and can be dropped off at any branch. Checks can also be dropped off at the St. Croix County Sheriff’s Department. There is a St. Croix County Squad car parked in front of the Sheriff’s Department for memorials and flowers.

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