Leland J. Guetschow

Leland J. Guetschow, age 89, left to be with his Heavenly Father on December 31, 2025 in his hometown of Two Rivers, WI.

Leland was born August 20, 1936 in Two Rivers, son of the late Wilbert (Woody) and Virginia (Greenwood) Guetschow.  He was a graduate of St. Luke Catholic School in 1950 and Two Rivers Washington High School with the Class of 1954.  In High School he learned to write Thomas Shorthand quickly and at a high rate of speed.  This would be beneficial in his career later in life.

Leland was a member of drama, chess, radio and history clubs.  After high school, he attended St. Norbert College for 1 ½ years.  It was then that he was offered and appointed to official court reporter at the County Courthouse for Manitowoc County and then the Circuit Court.  Leland was a confidant to the judges whom he reported for, retiring in January 1999 after 43 years.  He was the last official pen writing reporter in the state which is an accomplishment he was very proud of.

Leland was a member of St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church, Catholic League of Religious and Civil Rights, Friends of Caritas Cuba and Catholic Relief Services, Two Rivers & Manitowoc County Historical Societies, volunteered at Felician Village, National & Wisconsin Court Reporters Association, former chairman of Circuit Court Reporters Committee, Two Rivers Jaycees and the Optimist Club.

Leland’s other interests included foreign and domestic travel to 37 countries, historical & political issues, genealogy, old cars, coin & currency collecting.  Most of all he enjoyed many social gatherings with a loving family and others with whom he had a personal and professional relationship throughout the years.  Leland loved his Catholic faith but also was supportive of ecumenism, some of the other faiths and those not sure of their place in the heavenly universe.

Leland is survived by his loving brother and sister-in-law, Keith and Sherrie Guetschow, three special nieces (aka The Three Angels), Kathy and Jeff Juul, Kelli and Cory Zimmer and Vicki Gilbert (significant other Aaron Boeder). Leland is further survived by five great nephews and one great niece: Kyle Juul, Tyler Juul and fiancé, Shannon; Colton, Payton and Alaina Zimmer, Evan and Kiley Gilbert, Logan Gilbert and special friend, Amanda, and Carley and Nick Hodgson. Leland was preceded in death by his parents Wilbert (Woody) & Virginia Guetschow.

Leland had a contagious laugh, a great sense of humor, a huge heart and an incredible zest for life. He loved a good cocktail, treating his family to a great meal at different establishments that he personally picked. Leland will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Funeral Services will be held at 12 noon Friday, January 9, 2026 at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church.  Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be the Rev. Dave Pleier with burial to take place at Holy Cross Cemetery following the service.

The family will greet relatives and friends at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service.

The family would like to especially thank Northland Lodge Assisted Living in Two Rivers for the love and compassion they showed to both Leland and his family. Their kindness will never be forgottten and was greatly appreciated.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Manitowoc Public Library in Leland’s name.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com

The Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Klein & Stangel Funeral Home location, is assisting the Guetschow family with funeral arrangements.

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