Leona Pfeffer

Leona Irene Pfeffer, age 85, died peacefully surrounded by her family on Tuesday, October 18, 2011, at Fairway Pines in Sauk Centre, Minnesota.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 21st at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Sauk Centre with Rev. Todd Schneider officiating with Deacon Kaas con-celebrating. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday, October 20th and 8:00-10:30 a.m. Friday, October 21st at the Patton Schad Funeral Home in Sauk Centre. Parish prayers will be held at 5:15 p.m. followed by the rosary led by the Christian Mothers at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Leona Irene Pfeffer was born on March 15, 1926 in Sauk Centre, Minnesota to Leo and Mary (Tillman) Weber. On August 3, 1947 she was united in marriage to Edmund Egan at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Sauk Centre. Edmond, wounded at Camp McCook during training exercises in 1945, passed away, due to complications from his injuries, on May 12, 1951. On December 28, 1953, she was united in marriage to Alfred Joseph Pfeffer at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Sauk Centre. They made their home on Sauk Lake in Sauk Centre until the day of Alfred's death on March 11, 2001. Leona was an avid gardener who enjoyed planting and caring for her colorful flower beds and bountiful vegetable gardens. Total strangers driving by their home, would stop and ask if they could look at her spectacular flower gardens!Leona enjoyed the company of her Birthday Club for over 55 years. They would play cards; have social get-togethers and celebrated birthdays and holidays. She always cherished their company. In her retirement, her love for card playing prevailed and she had many circles of friends in which she enjoyed this pastime. Leona worked at numerous local businesses during her working years. During her retirement, she worked at Pfeffer's Country Market, which was owned by her son Mike. There she enjoyed the everyday company of the customers and the companionship of fellow employees.

Leona was a life-long member of St. Paul's Catholic Church and was a retired member of the Christian Mothers at the time of her death. She was also a member of the Paul F. Donart VFW Post 2853 Auxiliary and the American Legion Post 67 Auxiliary.

Leona is survived by her children, Linda (Larry) Halverson of Buffalo, Minnesota and Jane (Dan) Stepan of Sauk Centre; nine grandchildren; four great grandchildren and one great grandchild expected to arrive into the world on November 7, 2011; brother Ludwig Weber of Park Rapids; sisters, Julianna (Alphonse) Trisko and Lucille Egan of Sauk Centre; and daughter-in-law Vicki Pfeffer of Sauk Centre.

Leona was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Edmund Egan on May 12, 1951; second husband Alfred Pfeffer on March 11, 2001; son, Michael Pfeffer; grandson, Chad Halverson; great grandson, Colton Deters; brothers, Julian Weber and infant brother Arthur Leo; sisters, Mary Barhorst and Emma Eckberg.

Serving as casket bearers will be: John Egan, Bill Eckberg, Dean Stanton, David Weber, Tom Walker and Larry TriskoCross bearer will be: Nick Pfeffer. Honorary Bearers will be Trix Kleinschmidt, Jeanette Kleinschmidt, Jeanie Raitor, Shirley Wensman,Lill Welle, Mary Ann Polipnick, Glenna Walker and Lil Larson