Obituary of Leona M. Onken

MONTICELLO, IOWA

Leona M.Onken, 102 of Marion, formerly of Monticello, Iowa passed away Friday, June 10, 2022 at Summit Point Senior Living Community, Marion, Iowa.

Visitation will be held from 3 - 7 p.m. on Monday, June 13, 2022 at Kramer Funeral Home in Monticello with a Vigil Service beginning at 3 p.m.  Visitation will continue at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 9 a.m. prior to funeral mass.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 14, 2022 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Monticello with burial in Oakwood Cemetery in Monticello, Iowa.  Rev. Paul Baldwin will officiate.

Leona was born on February 11, 1920 in Walker, Iowa, the daughter of Nicholas and Carrie (Kurt) Kleitsch.  She married Alve Onken on December 2, 1939 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Cascade, Iowa.

She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Monticello since 1938, on the Lady’s Committee for 3 years, a member of ACCW and a long time member of the Federated Garden Club.

Leona lived an active life for both her enjoyment and for the betterment of the community. She put her faith and trust in God. She believed in living simple and working hard. Her children will miss her love, devotion, and inspiration. Her grandchildren have fond memories of her fun, loving spirit. What a blessing and honor it was for all to be a part of Leona’s life journey. Thank you to all of you who shared the journey with her.

Surviving to honor Leona’s memory are her children: Carol (Lyle) Ridenour of Marion, Roger (Diane) Onken of Monticello, Agnes Webber of Surprise, AZ, Linda Jones of Sierra Vista, AZ, Patsy (John) Rhatigan of Cedar Rapids; 13 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, and 10 great great grandchildren; siblings: Edwin Kleitsch of Cascade, Sr. Ruth Kleitsch, OSF of Dubuque, and a sister-in-law: Rita Kleitsch of Monticello.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Alve, a grandson, Ryan Onken, son-in-laws: Larry Webber and Les Jones; brothers: Wilfred, Carl (Mary), and Irvin (Carol) Kleitsch, a sister, Marion (Bob) Hosch, and a sister-in-law, Verna Kleitsch.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Monticello, Iowa, the Jones Regional Hospital in Anamosa, the Monticello Food Pantry, or as you wish.

Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville is assisting the family and information is available at www.kramerfuneral.com.  Online condolences and memorials may be sent to Kramer Funeral Home,  750 12^th Ave SW, Dyersville, IA  52040.