Hope Karen (nee Nord) (formerly Martin) Leen

Hope Karen (nee Nord) (formerly Martin) Leen was born in Hudson, WI, on Sept. 7, 1940, passed peacefully on June 11, 2025, at Hillview Senior Living Community in Mondovi, WI.                                   

Preceding her in death are her parents Eugene F. Nord & Alice (Brunnette) Nord; ex-husband John R. “Jack” Martin; husband Arnold W. “Arne” Leen; brother Dallas Nord; sister-in-law Martha Nord; sister Georgia (Nord) Eng; grandchildren Matthew (Patti) Porter, Heather (Ron) Martin; great-grandchildren Cohen & Calla Hoisington (Luke & Briana).                                               

Survived by children: John (Lynn), Ron, Lori (John), Patti, Chuck, (Paula, Greg (Yasuko); & Arne’s children Beth (Jeff); (Don), Chuck (Lisa); 20 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren, whom she loved dearly; sister Mary (Arlene) Belisle; and many nieces & nephews.                                                                                                                                              

Hope was a very loving, kind, beautiful and gentle soul who loved everyone unconditionally. Her smile was priceless and given out freely. The blue in her eyes always greeted a person warmly. Her life’s dream was to be a mother with a large family. She certainly accomplished that. In addition to raising her family she worked many other jobs such as carhop, secretary, 4H leader, and at the Martin Family general store in Burkhardt, WI, where she worked as a store owner and clerk, cashier, post office, and gas station attendant. She and her family started and worked at the concession stand at Willow River State Park. She then worked at Nor-Lake factory for many years.                                                                                                                                                             

She divorced Jack & later married Arne & moved to Waterville, MN, where she embraced his family & children as her own. While there she was a cook at the Girl Scout Camp & later worked at a local flower shop. She also enjoyed her Waterville Red Hats Society.                                      

After Arne’s death in 2018 Hope relocated to Eau Claire, WI, in 2020, where she enjoyed time at her apartment & relaxing on her outside patio. During her last few years of her life, she developed serious health issues with a decline in her health that required a relocation to Hillview Senior Living Community.                                                                                                          

Hope was a fierce fighter of her life. She survived 3 rounds of different cancer diagnosis with surgeries & chemotherapy to heal them. She came through a knee replacement, hip replacement and recovery with grace and triumph, and always with a smile on her face.           

Hope’s strength & courage always came out on top. Her love & affection will be missed by all. Visitation will be 1-5 p.m. Saturday, June 28, at O’Connell Funeral Home, 520 S. 11^th St., Hudson. Private burial at Willow River Cemetery.