Leslie M. Bednar

Leslie M. Bednar, age 60, of Reedsburg, WI, passed away on Sunday, June 7, 2026. She was born on April 23, 1966 in Cresco, Iowa, the daughter of Craig and Judith (Ullman) Bednar.

Leslie, daughter, sister, aunt and friend, a beautifully compassionate soul, graced the rest of us with one of the most special kinds of love.  A love that she would bless you with from the first hello.  Always a smile, a comforting hug, and I love you that truly meant it.  She always carried a positive light from waking up ready to tell a joke well before anyone even had the sleep out of their eyes to going to bed with a goodnight to all, including John Boy and the Walton’s.

As you can imagine, a person that can wake up with a smile and joke must love jokes and pranks.  Leslie always had some sort of prank up her sleeve.  She was known to ask “Hey, can you help with something?” and more often than not it was to help her play a joke on someone; always a nice fun joke or prank!  She especially lit up when it came time for April Fools or Halloween as if she had been planning the whole year.

Leslie was a well decorated Special Olympian earning countless medals and trophies in track and field, bocce ball, basketball, and bowling.  Not only was she a competitor, but also a supporter and cheerleader for her fellow Olympians.  She would travel all over the state competing and cheering on her many friends and teammates along the way.  

Not only was she a decorated Special Olympian, but she was also a champion at home with friends and family.  Any time a game of Boggle or Yahtzee was pulled out at a family gathering, not only would Les be the first to say ‘I’ll play!’, but you could almost count on the fact that she was going to win!  She was even able to quickly strategize a way to win the games that were new to her.  If by chance she didn’t win, she was always happy for whoever had won; of course, while strategizing for the next round.

You could also say Leslie was a historian of sorts.  Drawing a blank on a name?  Ask Leslie!  She had a special gift that somehow allowed her to store so much information and memories that we all had a chance to relive through her.  “Do you remember the names of those red head twins across the street when we were in grade school?”  Of course she did!  And she had a wonderful story to go with it.

Leslie’s positive light and bright smile has touched the lives of countless people around her from family, neighbors, co-workers, church patrons, and quick acquaintances along the way.  Leslie, I am proud to have been touched by your light and live up to the challenge of sharing your happiness and positivity wherever I can.  You will forever hold a loving smile in our hearts.  We love you!

She was preceded in death by her mother, Judith.

Leslie is survived by her father, Craig (Bearheart) Bednar of Ogema; brother Daniel Bednar of Stoughton; sisters Michelle Bednar of Sauk City and Jennifer Bednar-Nelson of Kansas; nieces Amanda Hannah Hermes and Ashley Hannah Olah; her partner, Bill Mears; along with many other relatives and friends.

A service for Leslie will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at the Farber Funeral Home in Reedsburg with Chaplain Mike Amberg officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 9:30 AM until the time of the service. Private family burial will be made in the Greenwood Cemetery, Reedsburg.

The service will be strictly a comfortable and casual attire event.