Editor’s note: The link to an article on Fox9.com, “Wisconsin sheriff’s deputy fatally shot in St. Croix County during DWI stop, and the following obituary, were provided to the Banner by Michael Leising, who is a clerk at the Whitewater Post Office. Michael is the father of Courtney Leising, Kaitie’s spouse.

Kaitlin “Kaitie” R. Leising, age 29, of New Richmond, WI, died unexpectedly and tragically on May 6, 2023 while in the line of duty.

Kaitie (lovingly nicknamed Bug) was born on January 10, 1994 in Scottsbluff, Nebraska to Roger and Kristine (Hansen) Stevens. She graduated in 2012 from Chadron High School, and then went on to Black Hills State University in Spearfish, SD, where she obtained her Bachelor of Science degree and played golf. From a young age, Kaitie knew she wanted to go into law enforcement. She had such a love for people, especially children, who always seemed to gravitate towards her. She was always willing and eager to help others around her, even taking a special interest as a teenager to her peers that were less fortunate than her. After graduating from the police academy, she immediately excelled at police work, first serving with the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office in Rapid City, SD, and then with the St. Croix County Sheriff’s Office in Hudson, WI. She was a doer – if anything needed to be done, she was there (with the exception of cooking or the dishes at home!) She will be remembered as small, but feisty.

On October 7, 2017, she was united in marriage to her best friend, Courtney Leising, and the two were blessed with their son, Syler in early 2023.

In her free time, she loved reading, puzzles, and spending time outdoors camping, hiking, kayaking, waterskiing, and playing basketball. She relished in time spent on all things Harry Potter, watching crime shows, and cheering on the Denver Broncos (despite it putting strain on her marriage with her Packer-loving wife!) Above everything, her greatest passion was her family – spending time with her wife, Courtney, and her son Syler, who was her everything. She had an amazing sparkle for life, always making others around her smile and laugh. Her humor was infectious, her laugh contagious, and her loyalty for those she loved most unwavering and steadfast. To those who knew her most, she was oh so much more.

She is survived by her wife, Courtney; son, Syler; parents, Kris & Roger Stevens; sister, Jordyn (Tom) Stevens; Julie Hawkinson (grandma); in-laws, Beth & Dave Brehm; sisters-in-law, Morgan (Bradley) and Brittany Leising; dogs, Miller and Ranger; many aunts, uncles, and cousins; and special friends, Jenifer and John Paul.

She was preceded in death by her grandmothers, Sandie and Dorothy; grandpa, Dan; and special friend, Zack.

Visitation will be held at 9 a.m.- 12 p.m. on Friday, May 12 at Hudson High School, 1501 Vine St, followed by a funeral service at 12 p.m. The service will be livestreamed: see funeral home website for details. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF.org)

Services entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin, WI. (715) 386-3725. www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com

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Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #199 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Fri., May 12, 2023, in honor of St. Croix County Sheriff’s Deputy Kaitie Leising, who was killed in the line of duty on Sat., May 6, 2023, at the age of 29.

“Deputy Kaitie Leising was admired by her colleagues and community alike for the positivity, drive, and dedication to service she carried with her every day,” said Gov. Evers. “The weight of Deputy Leising’s death is a loss felt by folks across the state. We continue to keep Deputy Leising’s family and loved ones, the St. Croix County Sheriff’s Office, the St. Croix County community, and all those that knew and served alongside her in our hearts as they mourn her tragic passing.”

Deputy Leising joined the St. Croix County Sheriff’s Office in 2022 and had previously served the Pennington County, South Dakota Sheriff’s Office. 

Services for Deputy Leising will be held on Fri., May 12, 2023, in Hudson.