Leona McDermond

Leona Mathilda was born on March 23, 1921, in Holloway, MN the daughter of Jake and Emma (Wedger) Leese. She grew up in the Kerkhoven area and graduated from Kerkhoven High School. Leona was a hard worker all her life as a waitress for several different restaurants. Leona was united in marriage to Joseph McDermond. The couple lived in the Twin Cities after their marriage and retired to the Villard area where they enjoyed living on the lake. Leona loved fishing, gardening bird watching and entertaining guests. She will be remembered fondly for hosting picnics in the back yard, serving her famous fried chicken and potato salad. After the death of her husband Joe, Leona moved to Bethel Manor in Alexandria where she enjoyed playing cards, games, and doing puzzles with her friends at the apartment. Leona died on Tuesday, January 3, 2012, at the Douglas County Hospital. She is survived by step children: Gene McDermond (RuthAnn) Spicer, MN, Patrick McDermond (Alina) Phoenix, AZ, Curtis McDermond Hoffman,MN, Lana Kotzenmacher (Gene) Alexandria, MN ; grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other family members who came to know Leona as their mother as well. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe; parents, brothers and sisters: Jacob Leese, William Leese, Viola Stoneberg, Harry Leese. Funeral services were held on Friday, January 6, 2012, 11:00 a.m. at Bethany Chapel with Rev. Andrea Olson officiating. Burial was at Lake Amelia Cemetery near Villard. Pallbearers were Mike DeRoo, Gene Kotzenmacher, Jason Fisher, Joe Denny.