Leona M. Lueck (McFarlane)

Leona M. (McFarlane) Lueck
At age 85, Leona passed away February 11, 2017 after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. She is preceded in death by her husband, Edwin; her parents, Edward and Alma (Paulson) McFarlane; brothers, Wilbur, Albert and Lloyd; sisters, Hazel Ehrenberg and Edna Stumpf; daughter, Peggy Ann; son-in-law, Randy Findlay; step-granddaughter, Anna Daumler, and she is survived by her sister, Lucille Ruda of Merrillan and her five children, Dwight (Marilyn) Genoa City, Duane, Gratiot, Douglas (Jean), Anderson SC, Diane (Walter Daumler) Green Bay and Debra (Findlay) Ft. Atkinson, six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, three step-grandchildren and 11 great-step grandchildren.
Leona was born in the farming area of Cleveland. She graduated from Bloomer High School and worked at the Bloomer Theater, where she met her husband of 67 years, Edwin. They married in 1949, moved to Minneapolis and started their family. They then moved to northern Illinois and established their life until retiring back to the New Auburn area. When friends and family stopped to visit, Leona always had a cheery disposition, fresh pot of coffee and some delectable dessert ready.
Family was very important to Leona and she took care of them well. Leona never missed a family member’s birthday or anniversary, always sending a card and giving a call, and that’s a lot each year. She planted large gardens and went berry picking so she could put up preserves for the winter. She was an excellent housekeeper and outstanding cook, always trying new recipes. She did all this and worked outside of the home, at Sterling Corporation, Intermatic Inc. and lastly Janair in Richmond, IL where she held the role of team leader until her retirement.
Leona was very active in the American Legion Auxiliary in Genoa City, WI where she served as President and Chaplain. She also coordinated the membership for poppy sales on Memorial Day weekend to help the veterans. For additional fundraising, she and other members catered the weddings and other parties held at the hall.
For fun, she and Ed traveled the state, following their favorite polka bands. As members of the Milwaukee Polka Boosters, they could always be found on the dance floor on a Saturday night. She and Ed also enjoyed spending time at the casinos when they moved back to New Auburn. Leona enjoyed playing the slot machines and many times she was pretty lucky.
Leona and Ed maintained the Turner Family Cemetery for several years, where she will be laid to rest, next to her husband, daughter and other family members. Funeral services will be held at Olson Funeral Home, Friday, February 17, 2017 at 12:00 p.m. with a visitation from 10:00 am – 12:00 p.m at the funeral home on Friday.