Leona M. Onken

Leona M. Onken

Marion

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 to 7 p.m. Monday, June 13, 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. Tuesday, June 14, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Monticello, with burial in Oakwood Cemetery in Monticello, Iowa. The Rev. Paul Baldwin will officiate.

Leona was born on Feb. 11, 1920, in Walker, Iowa, the daughter of Nicholas and Carrie (Kurt) Kleitsch. She married Alve Onken on Dec. 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 three 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, Ariz., Linda Jones of Sierra Vista, Ariz., and Patsy (John) Rhatigan of Cedar Rapids; 13 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; siblings, Edwin Kleitsch of Cascade and 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 12th Ave. SW, Dyersville, IA 52040.