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Hartsburg-Virgil Claus Leesman, age 90, of Hartsburg, died at his home Sunday, June 24, 2012 at 1:07 A.M. surrounded by his loving family.

Virgil Claus Leesman, son of Claus and Kathryn Glick Leesman, was born January 20, 1922 at the Claus Leesman homeplace in Hartsburg, IL. He was baptized April 2, 1922 at Evangelical Lutheran Church, Hartsburg, and confirmed in his faith by the Rev. August Rettberg at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Hartsburg.

Virgil married Irma Emelia Kaesebier 70 years ago on September 13, 1942 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Emden. He served in World War II from October 2, 1942 to December 5, 1945 in campaigns within the South Pacific. Virgil farmed in the Hartsburg community starting in 1946 and retired in 1988.

He is survived by his wife, Irma, and their six children-Rebecca (Larry) Krusemark of Pittsfield, IL; Myron (Debra) Leesman of Abilene, TX; Luther (Mary) Leesman of Hartsburg, IL; Ann Helmke of San Antonio, TX; Martha Leesman of San Antonio, TX; Neil (Sheri) Leesman of Emden, IL; along with fifteen grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren; two brothers; Paul Leesman and Lloyd (Phyllis) Leesman, and brother-in-law; Wendell Cross.

He was preceded in death by his parents and four sisters; Blanch Bruns, Clara Beasley, Urla White and Georgene Cross.

In lieu of flowers, Virgil requested memorials be made to St. John's Lutheran Parish Nurse Ministry and Kogudus Ministries/Camp Griesheim.

A celebration of life service will be Thursday June 28, 2012 at 7:00 P.M. at St. John's Lutheran Church in Hartsburg, IL. with Rev. Gene Peisker officiating. The family will meet with friends for fellowship immediately after the service in the church basement. Burial of his cremains will be at a later date at Hartsburg Union Cemetery. Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home in Lincoln is in charge of arrangements.