Leone K. Leise, age 96 of Yankton, SD went peacefully to God on, Monday, December 21, 2009 at the Avera Sister James Care Center, with the presence of family by her side. Visitation will be held on Monday, December 28 from 2-8 PM at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home and Crematory with a 7:00 PM rosary, followed by a 7:30 PM vigil service. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM Tuesday, December 29, 2009 at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Yankton, SD with Rev. Paul Josten officiating. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Yankton, SD. Pallbearers will be grandsons: Michael, Tyler, Jonathan and Mike Leise, John-Kevin Flynn, Lance Heine and Luke Wieseler. Honorary pallbearers will be Leone's other grandchildren and special friends.
Leone K. Leise was born February 28, 1913 at Fordyce, NE, the 2nd of 16 children to John and Agnes (Handorf) Dickes. She was raised on the family farm south of Fordyce, NE, and attended St. John the Baptist grade school, before staying home to help with her large family. She married Otto Leise on Feb. 13th 1936, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Fordyce, NE. To this union seven children were born. They began their married life farming in the Hartington area before moving in 1942 to a farm by Constance, NE. In1963 they moved to Yankton where they operated the Norge Cleaning Village for several years. Leone worked at Sacred Heart Monastery for 29 years as a receptionist before retiring at the age of 82. She was an avid bowler until her retirement, where she then continued her love of shopping, card clubs, painting classes; thereby gifting each of her children with one of her original paintings. She was involved in the Hospital Auxiliary, Catholic Daughters, Christian Mothers, Sacred Heart Parish and volunteering wherever needed. Leone took great pride in keeping her yard and flowers looking beautiful. At the age of 92, she moved to Majestic Bluffs Senior Living and was able to continue attending daily mass and the rosary. She joined the Red Hat Ladies, played cards, bingo and never missed a chance for an outing or daily activity that was offered. Leone moved to Sister James Care Center in September, 2009.
Leone's life was one of compassion and love for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings and friends. She treasured all of the time spent with family and always had time for any of their needs, providing comfort when she saw pain. Her laughter and smile warmed the hearts of many. She was a true example of faith. Her spirit and appreciation for the gift of life taught her family to "put things in God's hands, and take one day at a time". She had a deep gratitude for even the smallest task anyone provided for her.
Leone is survived by 5 of her 7 children; Joselyn (John) Flynn of Ontario, Canada, Clair (Judy) of Omaha, NE, Sharon Wieseler of Fordyce, NE, Juli Ann Reynolds of Boston, MA, Del Rae Heine of Sioux Falls, SD, daughter-in-law Carol Leise of Fremont, NE, 22 grandchildren and 41 great-grandchildren. Sisters: Delores (Rolland) Healy, JoAnn (Bob) Healy, Sister Rosaleen Dickes, Mary Lou Noecker. Brothers: Donald (Bea) Dickes, Donovan (DelRae) Dickes.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Otto, Jan. 10 1997, sons; Charles and Don, son-in law; Art Wieseler, grandchildren; Monica and Mary Wieseler and Jonah Leise, great-granddaughter; Breanna Backman, sisters and their husbands; Lucille (Harry) Huss, Adeline (Hugo) Feilmeier, Irene (Louis Albers)(Dan Callaghan), Sister Ester Dickes, brothers Ralph, Ray, Father Jerome, Gerald, and infant brother Robert, brother-in laws; Loren Noecker, Leonard (Eileen), Joe (Elizabeth, Martha), Gus (Marie) and Al (MaryAnn) Leise.
The memories of the life of Leone will be cherished by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings and all those who shared in her life.
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