Leslie Milander 06/15/2024

Leslie Lou Milander (Elmer) (1960-2024)
Leslie was known for being a loving caretaker. She loved those around her with all that she was. She was always on top of sending cards and appreciations to those in her life so that everyone knew how much she cared for them. She would do anything for her people. She loved her friends and family fiercely, always jumping to be there for whatever they needed. She was well known for spending hours making dozens of monster cookies, peanut butter blossom cookies, and zucchini bread for those she cherished. She had the most contagious laugh and smile. She always greeted everyone with the most heartfelt hug. Leslie Lou Milander (64), of New Richmond, Wisconsin died unexpectedly at her home on June 15, 2024.
Leslie was born in Golden Valley, MN on February 2nd, 1960 to Beverly and Charles Elmer. Leslie spent summers at Enger’s campground with her parents and her sisters; Jody O’dell (Doug) and Jackie Follmer (Gary). She spent most of her younger days with her best friend, Sandy DesJardins, who most remembers her laugh and how she always tried to make those around her laugh. Her other best friend, Marsha Weidner, remembers how she was the person you could call at any time, no matter what, and she’d be there. Leslie graduated from Park Center High School in Brooklyn Park, MN in 1978. She then worked at her family’s garage, a hospital, and at Pilgrims Dry Cleaners, where she met the love of her life, Larry. In all that she did, she held the passion for helping others.
Leslie and Larry got married on December 28th, 1991. They spent their years traveling and moving around. Florida was one of their favorite places to live. There they spent lots of time at Disney, Seaworld, and Cocoa Beach. They enjoyed picking oranges and relaxing together. As much as they enjoyed Florida, however, they missed their family. They then moved back to Wisconsin to be closer to their family. In March 2024, they moved to New Richmond, Wisconsin to be even closer to their daughter and granddaughters.
Leslie also loved to play her organ for Larry. Leslie and Larry did everything together, even going to Leslie’s nail appointments. They had matching bright yellow jackets. They were the ultimate team. Larry describes her as his “everything”. He said “She was my life” when asked to describe her.
Leslie had two sons, Michael Hess (Rhonda), and Justin Hess (Jess). In the early years, they would spend Labor Day Weekend at Cregun’s Resort in Brainerd, MN together. While Leslie and Larry lived in Florida, Mike and Justin loved to visit them, with Leslie showing her boys all the best spots. Leslie also had a daughter, Jaime Swan. Jaime and Leslie spent lots of time talking on the phone. They had a best friend relationship where they could talk about anything, and they did. It didn’t matter what was going on in their lives, they would share it. Additionally, she had a step-daughter, Ivy Voss (Brian), who liked to have girls’ days shopping together and getting lunch.
Leslie had 2 granddaughters, Ashley Williams (Brady), and Mikayla Hess (Luca). Leslie made it her mission to be the best grandma to her girls. She was so proud to be a grandma and would tell anyone who would listen about her grandkids. They spent so much time together shopping, playing games, laughing, and just hanging out. She was the person they felt they could tell anything to and knew it would be kept in complete confidence all of their lives. She understood them in a way that sometimes their parents couldn’t. She lived 5 minutes from them, and they often visited, taking full advantage of the quick drive to see each other. She was blessed with six step-great grandchildren split in between Drew Voss (Brenda) and Tiffany Voss: Landon, Mason, Parker, Cruz, Jax, and Nova.
The other love of her life was her puppy, Bailey. Leslie would always say that Bailey was not spoiled, but instead, he was “the most loved”. Leslie and Larry treated Bailey like royalty by hand feeding him their food before they could eat and always having ice water ready for him. They took Bailey everywhere with them, and they truly saw him as their son. They were the ultimate trio. Bailey sadly passed away in August 2023, and they are now together again.
Leslie was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Beverly Elmer, uncle Delroy Elmer, aunt Phyllis Elmer, and aunt Jeannie Franz. She is survived by her husband Larry Milander, sons Michael Hess (Rhonda), Justin Hess (Jess), daughter Jaime Swan, step-daughter Ivy Voss (Brian), granddaughters Ashley Williams (Brady), and Mikayla Hess (Luca), step-grandchildren Drew Voss (Brenda), Tiffany Voss, 6 step-great grandchildren, sisters Jody O’Dell (Doug), and Jackie Follmer (Gary), niece Niki Dzubay (Ian), and nephew Charlie Follmer.
A Memorial Service was held on Monday, July 15, 2024 at 11:00AM at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services (728 S Knowles Ave New Richmond WI 54017) with a visitation starting one hour prior to the service. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.

Click here to watch the recording of Leslie’s service.