Ola “Lea” Buenger, age 91, passed away on Sunday morning, August 11, 2024, at Methodist Hospital in Rochester. Lea was born in Rock Island, Ill., March 9, 1933, to Egbert and Ola May Wormen. She was the youngest of three siblings, two sisters and one brother. They moved to Iowa where Lea finished her schooling and worked many odd jobs, two of which were for the veterinarian in Aurelia, babysitting his two girls and running errands for him, which included going out to the Buenger farm. After meeting their son Freddie, it was love at first sight. They were married on November 17, 1951. After working the family farm in Iowa, Freddie and Lea decided to purchase a farm in Preston, Minn. They built the farm on a lot of love and tears, and it was where they raised their eight children: Micheal (Judy), Darrell (Julie), Jeffery (Sheila), Kevin, Brian, Karen (Brian) Welch, Sara (Russ) Loomis, and Lori (Jason) Gosman; along with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Lea became well known as the lollypop lady for 10 years. Making lollypops and selling them at fairs, craft shows, and festivals all over Minnesota, she met and became friends with lots of people. She also had a great love for sewing. She sewed clothes for all her children as they grew up as well as quilts for everyone. She made everything from baby quilts to graduation quilts, and special thank-you gifts. Lea also made and donated quilts for silent auctions. She poured all her love for the recipient into the quilts she made special for everyone.
Lea will be greatly missed. The smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls, the big bowl of potato salad, the pies, the jar of pickles made from the garden will never be replaced, and always remembered by anyone who knew her.
Lea is survived by her children, 20 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Freddie, son Kevin, granddaughter Anna, and great-grandson Alex.
A memorial service will be held Friday, August 23, 2024, at 3 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church in Chatfield with Pr. Mike Gittins officiating. Visitation will be from 1-3 p.m. at the church, prior to the service. Interment will be at Carrolton Cemetery.
Hoff Funeral Home – Chatfield is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave an online condolence please visit www.hofffuneral.com.