Leona Verona Krentz

Leona Verona Krentz passed away October 14, 2024 at the age of 80. Leona was born to William and Frieda (Blume) Reinke on February 9, 1944 in rural Amboy, Blue Earth County. The family later settled in rural LeSueur, where she graduated from LeSueur High School in 1962. She married Frederick Krentz on July 6, 1963 and they dairy farmed in Tyrone Township, LeSueur County for over 25 years until their divorce. Leona later relocated to Backus where she lived for 24 years and enjoyed welcoming guests “up north”, but also traveled back regularly for family events. In her last years she lived closer to family, initially in Lester Prairie and finally in Medford, WI.

Leona considered her younger years farming her good old days, though also worked at a variety of local businesses, most memorably at Green Giant in LeSueur and at Jimmy’s Restaurant in Walker. She enjoyed cooking, sewing and crafting of all types, through which she supported church activities regardless of her location. Leona was best known for her cake decorating hobby, baking all kinds for family and friends, including wedding cakes in the elaborate styles of the time.

Leona is survived by her three children: Lyle of Belle Plaine, Lynn (Chris) Paul of Medford, WI, and Lisa (Jeremy) Tesch of Henderson; six grandchildren: Nathan Krentz, Allison, Evan and Eric Paul, and Logan and Lucas (special friend Elizabeth Leuthner) Tesch; siblings: Dorothy Jacobus of Arlington, Robert (Irene) Reinke of Adrian, and Audrey Litzau of Lester Prairie; many nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Eunice Krentz, and special friend Bob King.

Service to be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church in rural Henderson, on Saturday, October 26, 2024. Visitation will begin at 10:00am followed by funeral at 11:00am, burial in the adjacent cemetery, and lunch.