Leslie 'Les' L. Ambrose

Leslie “Les” Lee Ambrose, 79 of Monona, passed away peacefully on the family farm on Thursday, July 6, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. He was born May 27, 1944, to Vincent and Beatrice (Nichols) Ambrose in Monona. Leslie graduated from MFL High School, Monona. He joined the United States Army in 1966 and was honorably discharged.

Leslie was united in marriage with Sonja Kjosa on Oct. 4, 1969, in Monona. Three children were born to this union, Chris, Dan and Jolene. Les, his father Vincent and his two boys, Chris and Dan, together ran the family farm milking Holstein dairy cows, raised Hereford and Angus beef cattle, Berkshire hogs, chickens, ducks and geese, hunted, fished, and grew gardens, nut trees, fruit orchards and crops to feed the livestock. Together, they farmed a total of 860 acres on adjoining farms until Vincent’s passing in Octover 2002, at which time Vince’s farm was sold off to satisfy Vince’s other four children. 

He was also a youth worker at Wyalusing Academy in Prairie du Chien, Wis. He belonged to the National Rifle Association, American Legion and St. Patrick Catholic Church, Monona. He loved working in the garden and spending time with his grandchildren.

Les is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sonja; his children, Chris Ambrose of Monona, Dan (Tanya) Ambrose of Jefferson, Wis., and Jolene (Gene) Konicheck of Shepherdsville, Ky.; eight grandchildren, Josalyn, Amber, Rodnee, Chase, Harper, Mila, Preston and Alicia; two great-grandchildren; and his sisters, Marcia Palas of Dickeyville, Wis., and Rosalie Brinker of Waterloo.

Les was preceded in death by his parents.

There are no services planned at this time.

Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Monona, is helping the family with the arrangements.