Leslie Lynn Kaldenberg-Perrizo

1961 ∼ 2023

Leslie Lynn Kaldenberg-Perrizo, of Port Angeles, Wash., passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 21, 2023, in Kenosha Wis. Born in Kenosha, Wis., on April 20th, 1961, Leslie was the daughter of Judith (Gretzinger) Van Matre and the late Roy Kaldenberg. She resided in Kenosha during her youth and later moved to Waupaca, Wis. where she graduated from Waupaca High School with the Class of 1980. Leslie earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Steven’s Point in Physical Education and Wellness. Leslie met her husband, Charles Perrizo, in Houston, Texas through mutual friends at a rodeo. The couple dated for several years and were married in Fredricksburg, Texas on October 6th, 1990. After sharing their vows, Leslie and Charles decided to plant roots in Port Angeles, Wash. where they raised a family, built a loving home, and enjoyed the breathtaking natural beauty of the Olympic Peninsula. Leslie enjoyed camping every summer at the Salt Creek and Sol Duc campgrounds, walking the beaches during low tide, and watching the salmon migrate upstream over the Salmon Cascades in the fall. She invested in her community by volunteering for many local events including the Sequim Lavender Festival, the Port Angeles Dungeness Crab and Seafood Festival, the Port Angeles Winter Ice Village, and the North Olympic Discovery Marathon. Leslie was brought joy through her work as a substitute teacher and a para-educator for the Port Angeles School District. She especially loved when she was assigned to work in detention with the kids who just needed “a little more time and patience” and a listening ear. Leslie discovered a passion for the art of photography and enjoyed capturing the beauty of the world around her through the lens of her camera. She also enjoyed keeping her hands busy in her vegetable garden and tried valiantly year after year to win the “biggest pumpkin” competition in her neighborhood. Once her daughters left home, Leslie began volunteering regularly at the Port Angeles Visitor Center where she enjoyed sharing with visitors the best places to go in Port Angeles and within the vast Olympic National Park. Her family paid this tribute to her: “Leslie was one of the kindest persons one could meet. She was always there when someone was in need, all while she took on the role of a loving wife and mother to two daughters.” Among all of her interests, Leslie's life passion remained her family. She is survived by her husband, Charles H. Perrizo of Port Angeles, Wash. who always said that Leslie was, “the best decision he ever made in his entire life”; her children, Megan Perrizo and her partner, Connor Crim of Moses Lake, Wash., Audra Sharples and her husband, Andrew of Trevor, Wis.; her grandson, Charles Sharples; her mother Judith Van Matre of Cedarburg, Wis.; and siblings, Michael Kaldenberg, Lillian Garcia, and Alan Kaldenberg. Leslie was the sister of the late Chris Kaldenberg. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to Leslie's Life Celebration which will be held at Proko Funeral Home at 5111 60th St. in Kenosha. A Visiting Hour will be on Saturday, June 3rd at 10:00am, being followed with a memorial service at 11:00am. Leslie will be laid to rest at Forest Home Cemetery in Townsend, Wisconsin. To stream the service, follow the link at https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTY4NDk3Njg4ODI1MzAxNiZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit & Sign Leslie’sOnline Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com

Condolences

Margaret Carlson June 4, 2023
I was quite shocked to read in our local news that Leslie has passed away!I always looked forward to her latest posting of photos of our Olympic Peninsula which she always made into an artist’s rendering with her breathtaking photography. I first meant your mom at Franklin Elementary when you girls were young and even before that time, our son Jeff lived in the apartment building on Cherry where your parents lived before you were born. So I knew of her because our Jeff would talk of her and your dad and how nice they were. When I entered City University’s Education program while still working in the Franklin Library, your mom and I had several conversations about her entering also. She was always thinking, huh? I knew her also through Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. Whenever I would run into her, she would be so excited to tell me the latest about you two❤️When we traveled together to Italy and Ireland, not onlyWas she fun to be with, but she the one with an extra charger for all the moments of great photography and willing to lend it as our batteries ran low!Your mom was a wonderful friend to so many and a beloved wife, mother and grandmother to you and your family❤️I am so very sorry !
Clancy Blakemore June 2, 2023
A delightful expression of Life has stepped over into her next journey. I know that many friends are thinking of her and family at this time of adjustment. Blessings to all...Clancy Blakemore (a Visitor Center partner.)
Birgit Andrich June 2, 2023
Chuck, Megan, and Audra,Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. Leslie’s passing deeply saddens me. She was one of the most caring people I have ever met. She wanted the best for her family and friends. I will miss our walks and catching up over lunch. I recently followed her advice and visited Roozengaarde after the tulip festival. I wished I could tell her how much I enjoyed it. I am genuinely at a loss for words. Love,Birgit
Cindy Sofie May 31, 2023
I will forever treasure our beach combing adventures. The last one in Port townsend was a dandy, not only beach glass but also potterey pieces and a few agates. You brought many of us together on your walks, so many memories, and great sharing about what was happening in our lives and our children's lives. You were such a wonderful part of our community in Port Angeles, volunteering so much. I loved when you posted your photography, expecially Charles and your adventures, on Facebook. I will truley miss you, my friend but you will live on in my memories. I hope heaven has a beach brimming full of bright colored beach glass. Hugs sent for you family and friends.
Amy and Tyler Crow May 31, 2023
Chuck and family,Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Leslie was so generous, kind, hilarious, loving, faithful, talented, welcoming, and beautiful. Love,Amy and Tyler Crow
Midge James May 31, 2023
For all of you who are grieving the loss of this extraordinary woman, please accept our deepest condolences. In the sadness of these days, we send our love and wishes for peace and comfort. Leslie was a warm presence in our neighborhood and she will be sorely missed. Midge & David James
Mary Beth Wegener May 30, 2023
Chuck and Family,We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers. Please let us know if we can do anything to help.Much love, The Wegener Family
Sandi Kwicinski Hughes Hughes May 30, 2023
So sorry Judy for your lose. Prayers to your family