Leona Stern
Leona Lorraine Stern, age 92, from New Leipzig, ND, was called to her eternal home on Wednesday, March 6, 2024.
Leona was born on December 4, 1931, to Jacob and Lydia (Siewert) Kirsch and was the ninth child of 12 children. She grew up on the family farm north of Burt, ND. In 1944, the family moved to rural Mott, ND. Leona was baptized at Neuberg Church north of Burt and confirmed at Zoar Congregational Church in Mott. She attended a country school and completed eighth grade.
Leona started her working career at the grocery store in Mott and then worked at the Elgin Clinic as a receptionist. Leona married Otto Stern on July 2, 1953, in Mott. They made their home in New Leipzig and from this marriage they had three sons, Bradley, Dale and Douglas.
In 1961, Otto and Leona purchased Olien Motors and operated as Stern Motors, an automobile repair shop, until Otto’s retirement in 1983, when their son Bradley became the owner. Otto and Leona purchased Hertz Jack and Jill in July of 1978 and operated as Stern Jack and Jill until Leona’s retirement in 1989. In their early years of retirement, Otto and Leona enjoyed going on several bus tours, made new friendships, and saw the United States. Leona lost her soul mate April 3, 2008, when Otto passed away.
Leona was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, with a strong spiritual faith in God. Her church was her sanctuary, and Leona beamed with pride when her sons and their families would join her for a Sunday worship. She had the humble heart of a servant and volunteered countless hours - taught Sunday School, sang in the church choir, was active with Women of the Church, altar guild, church janitors, sewed numerous quilts and participated in other important events of the church.
The community of New Leipzig was also very dear to Leona as she volunteered for many organizations, including American Legion Auxiliary, Town and Country Boosters, Oktoberfest committee, Meals on Wheels, and countless other community events. In her spare time, she enjoyed supporting her three sons in their school and athletic events, family gatherings, and ALWAYS had a meal prepared, with caramel rolls being a favorite.
Leona’s greatest joy came on May 17, 2006, when she became a Grandmother. She and Katelyn cherished their time together, creating lasting memories. One of their favorite games to play was Monopoly (and Leona ALWAYS collected her money, no exceptions)!
Leona lived in New Leipzig until May of 2023, when she moved to Dakota Hills in Elgin, ND. In November of 2023, Leona moved to Benedicts Living Community in Dickinson, ND.
Leona is survived by sons Bradley, Dale (Jean), Douglas (Susan) and granddaughter Katelyn; brother Norman (Judy) Kirsch; sisters-in-law Alberta Kirsch and Ann Roth; plus several nieces and nephews.
Leona was preceded in death by her husband Otto; her parents; sisters Erna (Milbert) Zimmerle, Martha (Arthur) Heupel, Alvina (Henry) Bertsch, Lydia (Arnold) Heupel, Hilda (Jacob) Haberstroh, Olinda, Sara (William) Tompkins; brothers Herman, Elmer (Agnes), Arnold (Gladys); sisters- in-law Hilda (Dan) Schneider, Esther (Herbert) Iszler, Ella (Lee Clark, Ed Sauter), Helen (Allen) Willnow, E. Christa Stern; brothers- in-law Albert (Elsie) Stern, Art (Leah) Stern, Reinhold (Leona) Stern, Herbert (Gertie) Stern, Ervin Stern and Oscar Roth.
A viewing will be available 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Thursday, March 21, at Immanuel Lutheran Church. The memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 22, also at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service. Lunch will be served at the Community Center. Interment will take place at Trinity North Cemetery following lunch.