Leona was born January 21, 1914 in Tripp, South Dakota to Richard and Lydia (Bietz) Friedrich. She was baptized at the Hoffnugstal Church and confirmed at Kulm Church in rural Tripp, SD. On January 19, 1938, Leona was united in marriage to Edwin Sedlezky in Kaylor, SD with Rev. Briest officiating. They farmed in the Freeman area and lived there until 2001 when her husband of 63 years, passed away. Leona then moved to an apartment in Freeman, SD where she lived for 10 years. In September of 2011 she moved to the Salem Mennonite Home where she quickly learned to enjoy new activities and friends.

Leona was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Menno, SD her entire married life and treasured the many years she taught the younger children in Sunday School and her church family. She enjoyed gardening, painting and crafts, and sharing them with others. Her home was always full of flowers and a cookie. Leona loved to play cards, especially with her precious grandchildren.

Those left to treasure her memory are 2 sons, Edwin Sedlezky Jr. of Custer, SD and Dale (Deb) Sedlezky of Freeman, SD; 2 daughters, Karen (Loren) Fossum of Sioux Falls, SD and Donna (Larry) Stern of Freeman, SD; 16 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren, plus many relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin, her parents, 1 brother, Oscar Friedrich, and daughter-in-law, Yvonne Sedlezky.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Main Street Living TV Ministry, 1400 S. Duluth Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57105.