Ione (Tlougan) Leitzen, age 94, of Rochester, MN, passed away peacefully on December 2, 2019.
Born in Dover, MN on November 7, 1924, and preceded in death by her husband, Bernard “Bud” Leitzen; her parents, Alfred and Florence; brothers, Sylvester, Bernard, Benjamin, Clayton, Romeo, Robert, Isadore, Leonard, Charles, Donald, Dale, David; sisters, Jeanette Flanders and Darlene.
Ione is survived by her sister, Marcella (Larry) Swenson; children, Julie Armbrust, Carin Ruter, Gary Leitzen, Mark Leitzen (Missy Fritsch), Dan (Erica) Leitzen, Lori (Dean) Slawson; grandchildren, Amy (Andrew) Teitscheid, Peter (Krista) Armbrust, Niki (Doug) Schaff, Kate (Mike) Rutersmith, Tim Ruter, Beau Leitzen, Jacqueline Rose, Annie and Jake Leitzen, Lizzie and Emily Leitzen, Cale (Samantha) Slawson, Kari Slawson, Molly (Mark) Swatosh; and ten great-grandchildren.
Ione married the love of her life, Bud, and they were blessed to celebrate 70 years of marriage together. Ione and Bud could be found dancing, playing cards or having fun at sing-along parties with friends and family members. They loved to travel with their family to the Whitefish chain for fishing trips. Countless summer weekends were spent at their cabin on Circle Lake filled with lawn and night games, happy hour pontoon cruises, fireworks and endless laughter.
Ione loved holidays and made each one special. Christmas was her favorite holiday and she created traditions that are now celebrated by her great-grandchildren. She was also known for her 4th of July parties, where everyone was always welcome.
Ione lived a life of faith and service, which included coordinating and making food for funeral lunches at St. Francis Church for over 30 years. She was known for her famous potato salad. In 2003, Bishop Harrington presented her with the Bishop’s Medal for her service to the church.
Ione loved being with friends, old and new. She always had a pot of coffee and warm bran muffins ready for visitors – there was always a seat for “one more.” Into her 90’s, she loved to play bridge and bean bag toss. Ione lived a full and happy life filled with love for her husband, family and Jesus Christ.
We were the luckiest children in the world to have her as our mother and she will be deeply missed.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Mayo Clinic Alzheimer Research or Salvation Army.
Funeral Mass for Ione will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 6, 2018 at St. Francis Church 1114-3rd St. SE in Rochester with Rev. James Seitz officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. prior to the Mass on Thursday. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Rochester.
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