Annette Marie Eixenberger, born June 5, 1949, lost her seventeen year battle with cancer on Monday, April 7, 2014.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel with Father Bob Baden officiating. Visitation will be held at Kinkade Funeral Chapel on Friday, April 11, 2014, from 4-7 p.m. with family present.

She was born in Deadwood, SD, to Maurice (Ike) and Gertrude (Judy) Eixenberger. She grew up in Sturgis, SD, and attended Sturgis Brown High School. In 1969, she married Steven Leonard. They had two children, Steven V. Leonard and Kelli Ann Leonard. In 1971, the family moved to Illinois, where Annette began her career at Cherry Electric in production. She spent her lifetime working there and became a close friend to many of her coworkers. She was able to pursue her education during her employment and earned her MBA in Business in 1996. In 1997, she was diagnosed with brain cancer and could no longer work.

Annette's passions in life were her grandchildren, her animals, and traveling. She spent much of her life exploring new areas. She enjoyed countless journeys to many tropical destinations, Europe, Mexico, Florida, and Las Vegas! She liked to play cards, was a talented artist, and loved to give people a hard time.

She is survived by her children, Kelli and Steve (Heather); grandchildren, Alan, Tyler, Amanda, Alyssa, and Kaden; brothers, Jim, John (Roze), and Ed; sister, Mary Ellen (Herman) Murray; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; cats, Sugar and Mugho; and dog, MeMe.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ike and Judy; brothers, Jerry, Frankie, Ronnie, and Max; and her cat, Bindi.

A memorial has been established.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.

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