Leona V Bergemann

Leona V. Bergemann, age 94 of Mankato, died Wednesday, August 20, 2008 at Oaklawn Health Care Center in Mankato.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 23, 2008 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Vernon Center with Rev. Vance Becker officiating. Burial will be in Vernon Center Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4 " 7 p.m., Friday at Lake Crystal Mortuary and one hour before the service on Saturday.

Leona was born August 14, 1914 to John and Wilhemina (Ikier) Zastrow in Ceresco Township, Blue Earth County. She attended the Oliver Country School and Vernon Center High School. She worked for several years at the Willow Creek Telephone Co. On September 22, 1935, she married Henry Bergemann at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Vernon Center. They farmed near Garden City, living on the same farm for 65 years and raising four children there before moving to Primrose Apartments in Mankato. The children and grandchildren always enjoyed holidays and family occasions at the beautiful farmhouse and lawns.

Leona was a life-long member of St. Peter's Church and was very active in the Ladies Aid, serving as president for three terms. She taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School and made many baptismal towels. She also was an officer in the LWML and the Lutheran Sages. Gardening was one of her favorite activities, and she was a member of the local Garden Club and exhibited at the local fair. She enjoyed raising beautiful flowers as well as canning and freezing garden produce. Leona was also active in the Garden City PTA, the Band Boosters Club, the Sewing Club, and the Birthday Club. She enjoyed entertaining neighbors, relatives, and friends.

Quilting was a favorite past-time, and she made many quilts for family, her church, and helped put together the Blue Earth County Historical Quilt. She also enjoyed sewing, embroidering, hardanger, and needlepoint. Henry and Leona both sang in the English/German singing group for many years, entertaining at local nursing homes and holiday events. Leona more recently resided at Sibley Manor in Mankato and Oaklawn Health Care Center where she enjoyed belonging to the Red Hat Society and servng on the Resident Board.

Leona is survived by two sons, Darold and Mary Bergemann of Mankato, Robert and Marion Bergemann of Blue Earth; two daughters, Joan Young of Hayfield, Kay and Archie Kendall of Mankato; twelve grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; six step great-grandchildren; brother, Wilbert Zastrow of Truman; sister-in-law, Lydia Seeman of Lewisville; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Leona was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Henry in 2003; one sister, Rosella Boettcher; son-in-law, Roger Young.