Colleen Leonhardt Bigonia (Nee Donovan) passed peacefully at home on July 3, 2020, at the age of 49. Cherished wife of Tim for nearly 15 years, beloved mother of Karen Leonhardt, Nathan, and Aidan. She will be greatly missed and never forgotten. Precious daughter of John and Eileen (Sliney) Donovan. Loving sister of Bridget (Jeff) Killberg, Dan (fiancé Amy Schultz), Kerry (Tim) Ripple, and Meghan Donovan. Treasured sister-in-law of Al (Sharon) Bigonia, Jim Bigonia, Tony (fiancé Cheryl Braun) Bigonia, Chris (Kim Wolter) Bigonia, Theresa (Tom) Paulson, Ann (Benjamin) Bouchard, Christopher (Landa) Leonhardt, Susan Leonhardt, Mary (Thomas) Holton, and Douglas (Moria) Leonhardt. She will be greatly missed and remembered by many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins who played a vital role in her life. She rejoins many loved ones including her late husband, Robert M. Leonhardt II, her father/mother-in-law Robert M. Leonhardt and Karen, and father/mother-in-law John and Darline Bigonia. She also joins her beloved friend Shari Kirtley.

Colleen was born April 4, 1971 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Her family moved to New Berlin when she was three where she spent a happy childhood playing with siblings and neighbors. She attended New Berlin West High School where she was active in theater, band, various sports, and was yearbook editor, graduating in 1989. She went on to earn her bachelor degree in both Electrical and Computer Engineering from Marquette University in 1994. During her time at Marquette she met her late husband Rob Leonhardt whom she married in 1996. They started their family in 1998 with their daughter Karen. After Rob passed in a tragic accident on July 4, 1999, Colleen continued to raise her daughter in Mequon. Colleen became involved in the church and school community at Lumen Christi where she made life-long friends and impacted many with her generosity and kindness. Colleen met her husband Tim through a mutual friend in 2003, beginning a new chapter of her life. They were married in 2005 and welcomed their first child Nathan in 2006. He was followed by their youngest son, Aidan in 2007. She worked many years at FIS Global, but her most cherished job was being a dedicated friend and family member. Family and friends were the most important pieces of her life, opening her house often to share laughter and smiles. She will always be remembered for lifting up others with her incredible smile. 

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 9th from 4:00pm - 7:00pm at Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral Home in Mequon. A second visitation will be held on Friday, July 10th at 10:00am with a Mass of Christian Burial following at 11:00 am at Lumen Christi Catholic Church, 2750 W. Mequon Road in Mequon.

Immediately following Mass all are invited to an outdoor gathering to celebrate the life of Colleen.

In Lieu of flowers donations to the Colleen Leonhardt Bigonia Education Fund are appreciated. (Venmo: CLB-Education-Fund)