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Obituary: Dr. Walter Leutenegger

Walter Leutenegger, age 76, of Baraboo passed away Friday Oct. 20, 2017, at Our House Assisted Living in Wisconsin Dells. Walter, son of Heinrich and Anna (Fluri) Leutenegger was born Oct. 18 1941 in Winterthur, Switzerland.
Walter’s family moved to Zurich when he was very young. He grew up and attended school there, from grade school, to conservatory, to university, culminating in his Ph.D. in anthropology at the University of Zurich. In 1972 he moved to Madison, Wisconsin to become a professor of anthropology at the University of Wisconsin, a position he held for 27 years until his retirement. In 1986 he was awarded a Fulbright fellowship to study primate fossils at the Ludwigs-Maximilians-University in Munich. He enjoyed teaching, and advised several Ph.D. students.
In his later years Walter moved to Devil’s Lake to live with his partner Carol Ann Randall. He became a member of the community in Baraboo, and was touched by the warm welcome he received. In his last year he became a regular attendee at St. John’s Lutheran Church.
Walter enjoyed playing and listening to music, especially jazz and Brazilian pop music. He also enjoyed watching all sports, including European soccer. He read voraciously, with especial interest in current affairs and analysis. He loved cats, dogs, and all other animals, and he enjoyed walking in nature, and in particular at Devil’s Lake.
He is survived by his son Maurice and his cat Sunshine. He was preceded in death by his partner Carol Ann Randall.
Memorial services will be held Thursday Oct. 26, 2017 at 9 a.m. in the Speakeasy at the Vintage Port in Baraboo, Wisconsin, with Pastor Nick Maglietto officiating.
The family would like to thank the staff and volunteers at Urgent Care St. Clare; Our House Assisted Living in Wisconsin Dells; Dr. Elizabeth M. Lownick; Dr. Danny Sessler; Corner Drug; Vintage Port; Baraboo Coffee Connection; and the Baraboo Police and Sauk County Sheriff’s Departments for the care and concern shown to Walter.
Memorial contributions can be sent to Baraboo Soccer Club (PO Box 603, Baraboo, WI 53913 c/o Linda Hess (608) 356-1010); and Baraboo School Elementary Music (423 Linn Street, Baraboo, WI 53913). The Redlin Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Memorial Service
for
Walter Leutenegger

October 18, 1941 ~ October 20, 2017

October 26, 2017, 9:00 A.M.

Vintage Port’s Speakeasy
Baraboo, Wisconsin

Pastor Nick Maglietto, Officiant

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