Amy Leder

From my rotting body, flowers shall grow, and I am in them, and that is eternity.
—Edvard Munch
Born November 23, 1957, Amy entered this world in Beaver Dam and grew up in Mayville. She was the eldest child of Jack and Marilyn (Jacobs) Leder and sister to John and Ann. Amy drew her last breath at home on May 3, 2024, surrounded by love.
Amy was a dedicated gardener, gifted artist, and talented seamstress. She utilized many mediums—drawing, mechanical movement, and home improvement—to create her unique, unusual—and at times eccentric art.
The universe provided her raw materials from the East Side of Milwaukee for her creations. Cedric the Moose, who now resides in her home, once graced the walls of the West Bend Museum of Wisconsin Artists Members Show. Amy found great joy in ripping apart new pairs of shoes to modify them to her liking. Her tailoring abilities are legendary—Amy could transform an ordinary bolt of cloth, old clothing, or remnants into unique garments.
Anyone who visited Amy’s extraordinary gardens recognized another form of her artistry, with the 2023 Port Washington Garden Tour featuring her horticultural talents. And her extensive knowledge of Latin plant names and their medicinal uses was extensive.
Amy loved a good mystery, and regularly lent her books to anyone who wanted a good read. Her stash of vintage, quirky birthday cards and creation of novel envelopes will be missed by all who received them. She was a proud member of the Luddite Society and lover of words. This intelligent, sardonic, insightful, and opinionated woman was dearly loved. Her gentle soul and thoughtful outlook on life will always be part of those who knew and treasured her.
Amy found companionship when a gentle, and wise, man stopped into Koppas Deli on Farwell Avenue to tell jokes. Dan and Amy married on June 7, 2003, and combined their lives and cat families. In 2008, they relocated to their purple and orange house in Port Washington. Those were the best 22 years of both of their lives.
The spirits who welcome Amy on the other side include her parents, Jack, and Marilyn; brother, John; paternal grandparents, Arthur and Meta (Glander) Leder; maternal grandmother, Lydia (Clarstrom) Jacobs; favorite Auntie Lois; cousin, Jim, special friends, Evelyn, Michael, and Bernice; and all eight cats who shared their lives with her (but not all at once).
Amy is survived by her husband, Dan Gerth; sister, Ann (Gary) Scott; beloved cousin, Jean (Blair Semple) Mansavage; niece, Wendy (Damon Jarman) Sievert; a gaggle of Gerths, jumble of Jacobs, and murder of Mansavages.
Special thanks and love to her caregivers, Briana, Sonja, and Kindra, who are all angels.
There will be a celebration of Amy’s life later this year.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local animal shelter.
Now, Amy knows all the great mysteries.
The Eernisse Funeral Home, Port Washington is honored to serve the Leder family. Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.