Obit: Anderson, Leona O. (1920 - 2016)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Anderson, Kreklow, Lange, Elmhorst, Thiede, Emberson, Austad, Walker

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 9/28/2016

Anderson, Leona O. (14 July 1920 - 21 September 2016)

With a joyful heart, Mom completed her earthly journey and went into the open arms of her Lord. Sept. 21, 2016, Leona O. (Lange) Anderson died peacefully at her home with family at her bedside. Leona was born July 14, 1920, on a simple little farm in Auburndale to Adelia (Kreklow) and Julius Lange.

She married David Anderson Sept. 20, 1945 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Auburndale. Together they farmed in the Town of York, north of Granton, where they raised their family.

During Leona’s life, she wore many hats. She was involved in church and supported her children and grandchildren’s activities. Cooking and baking were her specialties. Give Leona a garden and she could can, jam, jelly, or preserve them all. And these treasures were shared and enjoyed by children, grandchildren and friends. The treasures were often found in her Christmas boxes, along with homemade caramels and caramel rolls. She supported her children and grandchildren in so many ways, most importantly instilling in them the Christian values that she lived.

David and Leona raised four daughters: Sarah (Vic) Elmhorst of Granton, Adel (Gary) Thiede of Appleton, Elaine (Dale) Emberson of Eau Claire and Donna (Dennis) Austad of Eau Claire. In addition, she had seven grandchildren: Tim Thiede, Rod (Katie) Elmhorst, Brian (Lori) Elmhorst, Jeff (Jamie) Elmhorst, Mark (Kelli) Elmhorst, Katie (Ben) Walker and Kaaren Austad; and 11 great-grandchildren, with two more on the way, in addition, she had 10 step-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Shirley Anderson and her brother-in-law George Anderson.

Leona was preceded in death by her husband David in 1978; brothers: Norman and Harvey and a sister Louisa, sisters-in-law: Bernice Lange and Cindy Lange, brother-in-law Charles Anderson and sister-in-law Marilyn Anderson.

Servicers we held at Zion Lutheran Church (LCMS) Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016, at 11:30 a.m. with visitation an hour and a half prior to services. In lieu of flowers, Leona requested memorials be given to Zion Lutheran Church, Granton.

Online condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.  The Gesche Funeral Home assisted Leona’s family with funeral arrangements.