Wannaska – Leona Beverly Otto passed away on July 21, 2023 at the age of 83. She was born to William (Bill) Osse and Gladys (Alten) Osse in Gatzke. She attended grade school at Skime school #86, graduating from Roseau High School. She was married and six children were born to this union.
Leona worked as a nurse’s aide in Roseau, then at Marvin Windows for 30 years, and when she retired from there, she returned to nurse’s aide work at Roseau Manor. She married LeRoy Otto in September 1990. They made their home near Wannaska until his passing. She then moved back to Skime, living with her youngest son Brian until her passing.
The pride and joy of Leona’s life was her children, whom she loved immensely, her grandkids more and great-grandkids even more. She enjoyed visiting and catching up with friends and family. She loved dancing, playing cards– especially pinochle, and seemed to be extremely lucky at it.
In her earlier years she enjoyed deer hunting and shooting her own gun, while at the same time feeding the crew of 30 people morning and evening. Every year she looked forward to summer fishing and ice fishing, and as a rule she always caught the nicest one. She enjoyed berry picking, planting and caring for her flowers, as it was her nature to take care of everything… gardening, mushroom picking, cooking and trying new recipes, getting the family together for big dinners to catch up on what was going on with everyone, playing bingo, and an occasional quick trip to the casino. She was good at joking and playing pranks on anyone. She enjoyed canning vegetables, venison, smoked fish, fruits, jams and jellies up until her last day canning raspberry jelly from her garden.
Leona was a beautiful, amazing, loving person. If you knew her you loved her. She will be sadly missed.
She is forever loved and survived by her children, Lorne (Sheila) Olson, Brad (Marci) Olson, Dan Olson (Deb), Nadine Olson, Lori Olson and Brian K. Olson; sisters, Elaine Schwartz, Elnora (Bill) Fogo and Deloris (Sonny) Paulson; grandchildren, Donna (Justin) Loewe, Matthew Stotts, Ryan (Jessica) Stotts, Merlin Goodwin, Billy-Jack Goodwin, Luther (Mikaela) Goodwin, Cody Olson, Kimberly (Matt) Ford and Steven (Samantha) Olson; great-grandchildren, Jerzey (Wyatt) Loewe, Ava Stotts, Deakan Goodwin, Bristol Olson, Allie Ford, Delena Goodwin, Derek Olson and Connor Ford; the dancing crew, gambling gals, bingo pals and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.
Leona was preceded in death by parents, Bill and Gladys Osse; husband, LeRoy Otto; infant grandsons, Derek Lee Olson and Jerome Schwartz; nephews, Delray Schwartz, Jerry Schwartz and William (Bill) Holter; great-nephew, Julian Kittelson; siblings, Luella Shoberg and Gerold Osse; Ida Lundeen; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
A Funeral Service for Leona B. Otto of Wannaska was held on Saturday, July 29, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Helgeson Funeral Home in Roseau.
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