- Date Of Birth: July 15, 1921
- Date Of Death: January 25, 2021
- State: Minnesota
Leona Catherine Rinkenberger, the daughter of Mary Louise Dumais and Leondias Merit Whilse entered the world on July 15th, 1921 at home in Warroad, MN shortly after World War I. As the eldest, she had three younger siblings, Leon (Sonny) Edward, Louise Imogene (Imy), and Harry George. Much of her early years were spent running to her beloved grandmother across the way. She attended Warroad Public School through 8th grade but always aspired to be a nurse.
In 1937, Leona married Thomas Otto (Harry) Pommerening and resided in International Falls, MN where they had three children, Harriet, Sharon, and George. She became widowed in 1954 and relocated back to Warroad, MN to be closer to family.
In 1957, she remarried to Clarence Lynn Rinkenberger and resided with her husband on the Longworth Farm. Together, they had seven children Clarice, Baby Boy Rinkenberger, Anna, Helen, Clarence Jr, twin baby boy(deceased) and Joyce. Clarence and Leona were well known turkey farmers from 1958-1995.
Leona was a devout member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Warroad, MN. She was an active member of the Ladies Guild. Leona also volunteered as a 4-H leader and at the Clothing Exchange for several years.
As an avid gardener, she enjoyed canning, cooking, and baking. Additionally, she was a spectator of MN sports teams and rarely ever missed a Minnesota Twins, Wild or Timberwolves game. Leona loved music, dancing, playing the accordion, harmonica, piano and organ. Other hobbies included sewing, quilting, crocheting, embroidering, playing cards, word searches and Scrabble. Neighbors and friends would often stop by for a cup of coffee and a chat with the social butterfly.
More than anything, she loved being a wife, mother and grandmother. She was just as spunky and hilarious as she was loving nurturing.
Leona passed away at home, surrounded by loved ones on Monday, January 25th, 2021.
She is survived by her children, Harriet (Larry) Kile, Sharon Moren, Clarice (Jim) Tholund, Anna (Steve) Polk, Helen (Robert) Marshall, Clarence Jr. Rinkenberger, and Joyce (Robert) Hahn; 22 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Harry Pommerening and Clarence Rinkenberger; son George Pommerening and two infant sons; siblings, Sonny, Imy, and Harry; and daughter-in-law, Mary Rinkenberger.
