Leona Herren

Leona Heeren, 94, of Anita, Iowa, passed away Thursday, October 4, 2007, at Colonial Manor in Anita.

Leona Elizabeth Tibken Heeren was born May 29, 1913, the daughter of Fritz & Elise "Lizzie" (Euken) Tibken. She was baptized in the home of her parents on June 22, 1923, by Pastor F.W. Heinke of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church. She was also confirmed there on August 21, 1927, by the same Pastor. After confirmation she helped with Sunday School, secretary work, teaching classes, and was Sunday School organist for many years.

She started school at 5 years (1918) to Norway School, Franklin #3, there were eight pupils. In 1930 Leona graduated from high school at the age of 17 and started teachers' training right away. Her first teaching job was from 1931 - 1934 at Franklin #3, Bell School. She then taught 8 years at Franklin #3, Norway School, at the same time she was one of the church organists. As Leona taught over the years, she also attended varying campuses to continue her education and graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Education from Drake University in 1963. She continued to teach in Anita until she retired in 1976.

On August 20, 1944, Leona and Harold Heeren were married in the First Evangelical Lutheran Church by Pastor Kirschenmann. They had many wedding anniversaries with wonderful celebrations attended by many family and friends. Harold passed away February 24, 1995.

In the year of 1958, on September 13, the happiest event in Leona's and Harold's lives happened. They brought home a darling sweet little dark haired girl from Fort Dodge into their home on Rosehill. Her name is Barbara.

Leona was a life long member of the First Lutheran Church near Wiota. She enjoyed crocheting, knitting, and working in her flower garden. She liked to play cards and travel. She kept libraries busy by reading almost every book she came across.

She is survived by her daughter, Barbara Watson and her husband, Rod of Anita, IA; granddaughter, Christine Cameron and her fiancé Jason Huntrods and their children, Justin Cameron, Katie, Andrew & Lexus Huntrods of Marshalltown, IA; granddaughter, Kelly Gurney and her husband, Derek and their daughter, Hannah of Yuma, AZ; granddaughter, Jennifer Cameron and her husband, Humberto Figueroa of Houston, TX; step-great-granddaughters, Alisha and Destiny Seyler of Griswold, IA; step-granddaughter, April Watson; as well as nieces and nephews.

Preceding Leona in death were her parents, Fritz & Lizzie Tibken; husband, Harold Heeren; and a great-granddaughter, Ashley Sawyer.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, October 6, 2007, at the First Lutheran Church south of Wiota, Iowa, with the Reverend Ted Weishaupt officiating. Burial will be the First Lutheran Church Cemetery. Viewing will begin at 1:00 p.m., Friday, with family visitation from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Hockenberry-Mullen Funeral Home in Anita. A time for lunch and sharing memories will be held in the church fellowship hall following the committal.

Hockenberry-Mullen Funeral Home in Anita, Iowa, is in charge of the arrangements.