Leslie Frank Crocker

Leslie Frank Crocker, age 82, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2025, in La Crescent, Minnesota, at the age of 82. Born on March 15, 1942, in Tennessee, Leslie's life was marked by his dedication to education, his love for art history, and his unwavering commitment to his family.

Les' academic journey began at Treadwell High School in Memphis, Tennessee, where his passion for literature and art first took root. He pursued this passion at Memphis State, earning a bachelor's degree in English literature in 1964. His quest for knowledge led him to Columbia University, where he obtained a master's degree in art history in 1966, followed by a PhD in the same field in 1970. Leslie's academic achievements paved the way for a distinguished career as a professor at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, where he taught from 1969 until his retirement in 2001. His lectures were not only informative but also inspiring, leaving a lasting impact on generations of students.

Les was known for his interest in the local history and architecture of La Crosse and wrote several books on these subjects:

A catalog of the Oyen Collection, from the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, including a history of the Oyen interior design firm, buildings decorated by the Oyen firm, employees of the Oyen firm (1979) co-authored with Joan M. Rausch

Forms and Spaces: Sculpture in La Crosse, Wisconsin (1992) co-authored with Stephanie Hammes

Places and Spaces: A Century of Public Buildings, Bridges and Parks in La Crosse, Wisconsin (2012)

We've Hung the Lantern: A Visual History of the First 50 years of UW-La Crosse (2013)

La Crosse Buildings through Time: A Companion Guide to Buildings through Time Presentations (2015)

Immigrants All: Domestic Architecture in La Crosse, 1842-1879 (forthcoming 2025)

In 1990, Les married his beloved wife, Ruth (Ziliak) Roby. Together, they shared a life full of love, intellectual pursuits, mutual respect, and dogs. Leslie's family was a source of great pride and joy for him.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth; his nephew, Charles Wayne Gholson Jr. and Wayne's wife Shelle (Hassenforder) Gholson; and his great-nephew, Charles Wayne Gholson III.

Leslie was preceded in death by his parents Leonard Franklin Crocker and Martha Ella (Shaefer) Crocker; his sister Ursula Carole (Gholson) Crocker; and his brother-in-law, Charles Gholson.

Leslie was laid to rest in the natural burial section of the Viroqua Cemetery in Viroqua, WI. Online Condolences may be expressed at www.vossfh.com.

Memorials may be made to the La Crosse Public Library (c/o Scott Brower. Please add “Archives Gift Fund” in the memo of the check); or to Kid’s Owl Art, International Owl Center, P.O. Box 536, Houston, MN 55943 Attn: Karla.

Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home & Crematory is serving Leslie's family.

123 W. Decker St.

Viroqua, WI 54665

608-637-2100