Leona S. Woellert

Leona S. Woellert, 92, of Preston, passed away on Wednesday, February 24, 2021, at Traditions of Preston.  She had resided there since 2014.

Leona was born August 4, 1928, near Black Hammer in rural Fillmore County to Arthur and Lillie Staupe.  Her family moved to the Preston area in the 1940s. 

After graduating from Preston High School in 1946, Leona worked at several different places throughout her lifetime, including the Fillmore County Courthouse, Northwestern Bell Telephone Company, the Rebound Inn, Tony’s Pizza, Ebert Hardware.  She also did wallpapering and painting with her sister-in-law Phyllis.

On November 9, 1952, she was united in marriage to Loyal Woellert in Preston, Minn.  Leona and Loyal were married for 57 years. They were blessed with two children, Diane and Neil. They lived in the Preston area all of their married life. Loyal preceded her in death in 2010. 

After retiring in 1990, Leona and Loyal travelled to Yuma, Ariz., for 15 years to spend the winter in a warmer climate.  They also enjoyed camping at Money Creek Campground.  Leona was a gardener and enjoyed growing flowers.  Leona did embroidery work, played Solitaire, and solved word search puzzles as long as her eyesight would allow.  She was an avid Minnesota Twins Baseball fan.  She loved spending time with her family and friends. After moving to Traditions, she looked forward to her daily “Chicken-Foot Dominoes” games with special friend, Russell Arneson.

Leona was a longtime member of Christ Lutheran Church where she was a member of the Deborah Circle.  When her children were young, she also taught Sunday School and Bible School.  She was a member of the Preston American Legion as well as Magdlin-Gilbertson VFW Auxiliary, where she was held various offices over the years, including being president several times.

Leona is survived by her daughter Diane (Keith) Johnson and her son Neil (Arlene) Woellert, all of Preston.  She also leaves behind four grandchildren: Andy Johnson of Chatfield, Holli (Brad) Wingert of Fountain, Ben (Jaci) Woellert, of Dover, N.H., and Becky (Mike) Kreidermacher of Mantorville, as well as step-granddaughter Kelly (Adam) Shirah) of Lake Lure, N.C.  Great-grandchildren include Connor and Cameron Wingert, Devin Kreidermacher, Jude and Eleanor Woellert, and step-great-grandson Charley Shirah. 

Leona was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Sanford Staupe, as well as her brothers- and sisters-in-law Loren and Phyllis Woellert and Donald and Charlotte Woellert.  She is survived by one sister-in-law, Arlene Staupe, as well as several nieces and nephews. 

The family would like to thank the staff at Traditions of Preston and the Mayo Hospice Team for their compassionate care of Leona in her final days.

A private family service will be held at Christ Lutheran Church.  Burial will be at a later date.