Belle Marie Leunig

Belle Marie Levin Leunig, a longtime resident of Belleville, Illinois and Marco Island, Florida, passed away on Monday, July 17, 2023 at the age of 99. Belle Marie was born in Montevideo, Minnesota on August 3, 1923 to James E. and Henriette Paulsen. Belle was a child of the small towns on the Northern Plains and enjoyed what Minnesota and South Dakota offered a child.

She is predeceased by her four siblings - Norris Paulsen, Irma O'Brien, Phillip Paulsen, and James E. Paulsen, Jr.

Belle graduated from Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota in 1945, obtained a Masters degree in Psychiatric Social Work from the University of Minnesota and a Masters degree in Education from Southern Illinois University. After a long career in social work and education, Belle retired from Belleville High School West after more than twenty years as a dean and Assistant Principal. She formed lifetime friendships with many of her colleagues at BTHS West, and considered an important part of her job to be helping students who might be struggling. Belle made a positive difference in the lives of many young students.

A few years after her retirement, Belle visited Marco Island, Florida to escape winter for a few weeks. She enjoyed the sun, the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the soft wind and the island "vibe". She returned year after year, for longer and longer stays. She made many new friends, ultimately moving there in her 70s.

Belle was a committed and valuable member of many organizations. She served on the Board of the Marco Island Lutheran Church, was past president of W.C.C., P.E.O. and the Excelsior Club and was a Sunday school teacher, ladies aid member and Lutheran League worker at churches wherever she lived.

Belle was an enthusiastic participant in life. She made generations of wonderful friends and was happiest when she was with her family and these many friends. She loved travel, good meals, a glass of wine in the evening and any time spent near, in, or on the water. Belle played bridge and other card games until the final days and she loved a party. Her milestone birthday celebrations were legendary in the family. A rich and interesting life has left wonderful memories for many people.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Roy W. Levin; her second husband, Irvin A. Leunig: a son, Roy W. Levin, Jr.; and daughter and son-in-law, Roberta and Roger Sellew.

Surviving her are a son, Carl James Levin (Sarah) of Pasadena, California; a daughter, Robin Dronen, of Belleville, Illinois; and eight grandchildren - Deborah Sellew (Michael) Boucher, Dana (Adrian) Cartier, Kristen (Joshua) Kreutner, Erik (Jacqueline) Dronen, Elizabeth Levin, Carolyn (Cassidy Mellin) Levin, Thomas (Alana) Levin and Christopher (Katie Humphries) Levin. She leaves seven great grandchildren- Brian, Bradley and Brendan Boucher, Annabelle Marie Kreutner, Alexandria James Cartier, Arne Sigurd William Dronen and Oskar Andersen Jax Dronen; as well as many cherished cousins, nieces and nephews.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Louis Children's Hospital or P.E.O. Star Scholarships.

Cremation rites have been accorded under the direction of Lake View Funeral Home, Fairview Heights, IL.

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held on Saturday, August 19, 2023 from 3:00 P.M.- 5:00 P.M. at SIJWDC Welcome Center/Auditorium (formerly Belleville Township High School West), 2300 W. Main Street, Belleville, IL, 62226.

Final interment will be held at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL.