Leona R. Feldhaus

Leona Rose (Reisch) Feldhaus, age 95, died December 20, 2021, with two of her children by her side. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 AM, Wednesday, December 29, 2021, at St. Agatha Catholic Church in Howard. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be 5-7 PM, Tuesday at the church, with a prayer service at 7.

Leona was born on April 28, 1926, to Nickolas and Mary Reisch of Howard. She was the 11th of 13 children, five of whom died before her birth. Leona graduated from St. Agatha High School in 1944. That following summer, she commuted by train to Madison, and attended classes at what is now Dakota State University. Because the war was going on she was able to earn a teacher certificate in 12 weeks. She then taught at a country school north of Howard for 2 years. 

Leona married the love of her life, Leo Feldhaus, at St. Agatha Catholic Church in Howard, on June 3, 1946. Leo had recently been discharged from the navy, and they were ready to start their life together. They bought a farm north of Howard and spent their entire married life of 73 years there. In later years, Leo and Leona operated The Village Florist shop in Howard.

Leona was a very busy farm wife. She grew a huge garden, canning and freezing fruits and vegetables. She baked and cooked, sewed clothes for the kids, and made many, many crafts. She loved to read, play the piano, sing, and play games, especially pinochle. Fishing was another favorite pastime. She had a strong faith in God and made sure each of her children received the sacraments and attended church regularly. Leona was a wonderful example of a Christian woman. She will be greatly missed.

Leona is survived by 12 children: Ronald (Vernie), Jack (Deirdre), Linda (Gary) Daiss, Sharon (Rick) Daniels, Eugene, Elaine Loers, Rebecca (Fr. Michael) Walker, Susan Ellsworth, Connie Iverson, Mary Ann Esping, Laura (Joe) Miller, and David (Heidi), 36 grandchildren, 78 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren, and 1 sister, Vivian Lynde. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Leo; one son, Theodore; her parents; seven brothers; four sisters; great-grandson, Tyrese Parson; and two sons-in-law, Gary Loers and Clifford Esping.

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