Leona Diedrich

Leona Diedrich was born on March 11, 1919, in New Effington, South Dakota the daughter of John and Adelia (Wurl) Petrich. She was baptized in the Missouri Synod Lutheran faith. Leona graduated from Rosholt High School in 1937. As a young woman Leona moved to Seattle where she worked for the ship yards until they closed and then was employed as a telephone operator. While living in Seattle she met John Wright. John was transferred to Alexandria, Minnesota to run a grocery store. Leona also moved to Alexandria at that time and the couple was married on October 18, 1948. To this union two daughters were born: Carolyn & Janell. John died in 1965. After John?s death Leona went to work for Red Owl. In the late 1960?s Leona met Clarence Diedrich when he was working a construction job here in Alexandria. On September 6, 1970 Leona and Clarence were married at Zion Lutheran Church. The couple continued to live in Alexandria where they enjoyed times with family and friends. During her spare time she loved to work in her garden, fish and enjoyed canning ? especially pickles. She was a good cook and made wonderful homemade donuts. She also loved pansies, butterflies, walking and playing cards. Leona will be remembered as a very witty person who always had something to say and could come back with good one liners. She was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church and enjoyed staying active in her grandchildren and great grandchildren?s lives and will be remembered by all as ?Grandma Onie?. Leona died on Sunday, June 9, 2013 at Diamond Willow in Alexandria. She is survived by her two daughters: Carolyn & husband, Harland Hoffland of Albuquerque, NM, Janell Larson of Alexandria; four grandchildren: Melissa & Dennis Ullmann of Sauk Rapids, Sara & JC McQuarie of Albuquerque, NM, Scott & Natalie Danielson of Des Moines, Iowa, Kristy & Wade Lerfald of Alexandria; twelve great grandchildren; sister, Pearl Krause of Sisseton, SD. She was preceded in death by both her husbands: John in 1965, Clarence in 1996; one brother and one sister. Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 14, 2013, 2:00 PM at Zion Lutheran Church in Alexandria with Rev. William Moeller and Rev. David Hinz officiating. Burial will be at Kinkead Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home. www.andersonfuneral.net