Ellen F. Leitzen, age 74 of Clinton, IA, passed away Tuesday, April 29, 2014 at home surrounded by her family. She was born May 30, 1939 in Waddam's Grove, IL; the daughter of the late Lee and Carolyn (Paul) Stilson. She married James Leitzen Sr. on January 6, 1955.

Ellen was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Hanover, IL. She was also a member of the Moose Lodge in Clinton. She had previously worked for Swiss Colonies and retired from Clausen Warehouse & Trucking in Clinton. Ellen enjoyed flowers and gardening. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband, James Sr. of Stockton, IL; two daughters, Diane Oostenryk of Clinton and Cindy (David Smith) Rekenthaler of Clinton; four sons, James Jr. (Joan) of Stockton, Michael (Jackie) of Delmar, IA, Calvin of Camanche, IA, and David (Deborah) of Savanna, IL; 24 grandchildren; 44 great grandchildren; sisters, Carol Pitman of Erie, IL and Dolores Brennan of Freeport, IL; brothers, Chip (Mary) Bahr of Alamogordo, NM, Ron (Cindy) Bahr of Forreston, IL, Norman (Linda) Stilson of Freeport, and Harold (Arlene) Stilson of Freeport.
Ellen is preceded in death by her parents; son, Richard; infant son, Dennis; two infant grandchildren, Ryan and Nathan; sister, Helen; and brother, Jake.
A visitation will be held Saturday, May 3, 2014 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at the Hermann Funeral Home in Stockton, IL, where the funeral service will begin at 3:00 pm; Rev. David Vidler presiding. Interment will take place at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Stockton. A memorial fund has been established.