Leona Theesfeld Nelson passed away August 22, 2023.
Leona was born to Otis and Grace (Major) McLaughlin on April 10, 1921 in Milford, IA. She married Albert Theesfeld in 1946, and is survived by their five children, Marilyn Theesfeld (Jim Hinrichs), Roger Theesfeld, Marsha Lilland, Marjie Peterson (Dan), and Brian Theesfeld (Veronica). She is also survived by many grand and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by husbands, Albert Theesfeld (1985) and Warren Nelson (1997), son in law, Bob Lilland, and children, Robert and Rodney, triplets of Roger, who died shortly after birth.
Leona lived in Milford and Estherville, IA; Mesa, AZ; Amboy and Lakeville, MN. She got teaching degrees at Buena Vista College and MSU. She taught in Armstrong and Estherville. She loved teaching! Leona also played the piano and organ for many years at Union/Grandview Baptist Church in Estherville.
After Al’s death, Leona married Warren. She moved to MN and AZ. They traveled in the US and abroad. Leona lived her last five years at the Fountains of Hosanna in Lakeville. She continued to play the piano for residents and guests. Leona loved the Lord Jesus and she served Him well until the last weeks of her life. She studied the Bible and she shared her faith and her resources. She was a blessing to many and dearly loved. Putting her 102 years in perspective, Leona’s grandfather shook hands with Abraham Lincoln!
