THE VOICE OF CHICAGO'S GAY, LESBIAN, BI, TRANS AND QUEER COMMUNITY SINCE 1985

Born Oct. 10, 1921, in Humboldt, Mich., Vienna Leppen was the loving daughter of the late Liisa Justina and and Leander Niskala and and the loving wife of the late Arthur L. 'Lee' Leppen. Vi was a loving and caring individual throughout her lifetime. She lived in Waukegan throughout her married life, raising five boys, many dogs and cats, several grandchildren and enjoying a wealth of friends and family. Eventually, she moved to Hawthorn Lakes in Vernon Hills, where she was currently residing.

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Pictured: Michael Leppen with his mother, Vi, in June at Center on Halsted. Photo by Tracy Baim

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She is survived by her family: Corrine Leppen of Laurium, Mich.; Michael Leppen of Glencoe, Ill.; Robert and Joyce Leppen of Hawthorn Woods, Ill.; Howard and Lori Leppen of Spring Grove, Ill.; David and Kristen Leppen of Grand Blanc, Mich.; Jeff and Jennifer Leppen of Syracuse, N.Y.; and Nicole Leppen of Chicago; her sister, Miriam Hoover of Glencoe; and her companions and friends, Rusty Raszkiewicz of Vernon Hills, Ill. and Laurie Paddock of Gurnee, Ill. She was preceded in death by her mother and father; nine sisters; three brothers; her husband, Arthur L. Leppen; and, this year, by her sons, David L. Leppen and Donald H. Leppen.

In an e-mail, Michael said that ' [ h ] aving lost two sons with the past 2 1/2 months had taken its toll on her and I think she just couldn't muster the strength to continue on.'

Michael also asked people to ' [ p ] lease keep our family in your prayers to have the strength to get through this tragic time and to continue on without David, Don and Mom.'

Her visitation was on Dec. 18 at Congdon Funeral Home. The funeral will take place Dec. 19 at 10 a.m. the First Apostolic Lutheran Church, 39372 North Carol Lane, Zion, with Pastor Jim Torola officiating. Interment will follow in Northshore Garden of Memories, North Chicago, Ill.

Memorial gifts may be made to First Apostolic Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 252, Zion, IL 60099. The online guest book is at www.congdonfuneralhome.com .