Gloria LeClaire

Gloria LeClaire, age 99, of Green Bay, passed away peacefully, Monday, January 12, 2026. She was born September 14, 1926 in Milwaukee, WI, daughter of the late Henry and Beatrice (Buran) Ries and was a proud graduate of Rhinelander High School.

Shortly after graduation, while working at Montgomery Wards in Rhinelander, she was introduced to Lloyd LeClaire, who was on leave from the Navy. After Lloyd's discharge from the military, Gloria and Lloyd were united in marriage in 1946. They began welcoming children while still living in Rhinelander and then moved to Iron River, MI. They completed their family after moving to Green Bay, blessed with 5 children in total.

Gloria was admired for her hard work ethic, as she held multiple part time jobs while raising her family. She worked for many dedicated years at Red Owl grocery store and also served as a waitress at Kegler's Club and Bowling Alley.

Gloria and her sister, Carol, married brothers, Lloyd and Richard "Dick". They often spent time together on double dates. Gloria and Lloyd cherished their time snow-birding in Florida, where they especially enjoyed trips on their boat, fishing for all of the legal native Florida fish species. Family was the focus of Gloria's life. When she was spending time with her family she was most content.

Gloria is survived by her 5 children: Sharyn Zenz, Gloria Jean "Jeanie" Murphy, Barbara (Tom) Ashford, Bradley (Julie) LeClaire and Barry (Debbie) LeClaire; 11 grandchildren: Mark (Becky) Zenz, Daniel (Rama) Zenz, Heather Zenz, Brad (Lori) Murphy, Brian Murphy, Deanna Peterson, Corey Peterson, Nicole LeClaire, Mindy (Jon) Bunnow, Joshua LeClaire, Jamie (Karen) LeClaire; 15 great-grandchildren and her sister, Pamela Suidzinski.

She is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents, Gloria was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd and her sister, Carol (Dick) LeClaire.

Visitation will be held at Newcomer Chapel (340 S. Monroe Ave., Green Bay, WI), Thursday, January 22, 2026 from 4 to 6 PM. A memorial service will follow at 6 PM.

Gloria's family would like to extend their gratitude to the wonderful staff at Bayshore Village and to Unity Hospice for their care and compassion.