Leona Ann Hensel — Austin

Leona Ann Hensel, 88 years young, of Austin, passed peacefully Sunday, Oct. 5, 2014, at Stewartville Care Center in Stewartville of natural causes.

Leona was born July 2, 1926, to Richard (Dick) and Anna (Tischer) Byers. She married Roger Hensel Nov. 15, 1947, at the Lutheran Church in Minneapolis and traveled with him while he was in the Navy, with her son and daughter, then settled in Rose Creek and later moved to Austin.

Upon retirement from Weyerhauser, she day cared many children for a number of years, earned her GED and worked as a security guard with Securitas at Hormel.

Leona and Roger (before his death July 14, 2005) enjoyed traveling in their motorhome, boating, fishing and gambling at various casinos. Leona loved her toy poodle, "Princess," and "Buttons," her Boston terrier.

Leona enjoyed the roses in her flower garden and her favorite color was red, evident throughout her house with the red carpet and red accessories. She also enjoyed reading; doing crossword puzzles; having lunch with her girl friends; playing cards, especially an exciting game of cribbage; watching TV game shows and shopping on QVC.

Leona was a member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church.

Leona is survived by her son, Darrell (Suzie) of Albert Lea; grandchildren, Jay, Keith and Jackie (Kevin) Hanson and great-grandsons, Levi and Wesely, all of Albert Lea; daughter, Cheryl (Cheri) Brinson of Rochester; granddaughter, Julie (Warren) Hensel MacNaughton and great-granddaughter, Rohan, all of Glens Falls, N.Y.; granddaughter, Mary (Brian) Kriesel and great-grandsons, Ruben and Hunter, all of Randolph; special cousin, Gaylord Hensel of Orlando, Fla.; special friend, Charlie Rector of Austin; and many nieces and nephews.

Leona was a great friend to those who knew her and she will be greatly missed by family and friends.

Leona was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Roger, infant son, Darnell, two brothers and one sister.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to the family.

A memorial service will be held at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, 320 2nd St. N.W., Austin, at 2 p.m. Visitation will be one hour before the service.

Leona's body was donated to the Mayo Clinic for education purposes. Interment will be at a future date.