Leona M. Wedemeier, 86, of Sumner, Iowa died Saturday evening, August 11, 2012 at Maple Crest Manor in Fayette, Iowa.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 15, 2012 at St. John Lutheran Church in Sumner, Iowa with Rev. William Runaas, Jr. officiating.  Interment will follow at St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Sumner.  Friends may call from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 14, 2012 at Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Sumner and for one hour preceding services at the church on Wednesday.  A Memorial Fund has been established in her name.

Leona Marie Westendorf, the daughter of Werner and Hulda (Nolte) Westendorf, was born September 8, 1925 at home in Sumner, Iowa.  She was baptized at home and confirmed in 1939 by Rev. Kuhlman at St. John Lutheran Church (Buck Creek), rural Sumner.  Leona was united in marriage with Howard Levi Wedemeier on October 30, 1945 at St. John Lutheran Church (Buck Creek) rural Sumner.  She cooked all of her life starting in Cedar Rapids at the Twin Tower Café.  Upon returning back to Sumner she worked for Beulah Finch for 15 years at the Ritz Café , then Sumner Bakery, she went on to start the deli at McAloon’s grocery store and finally was head cook at Sumner Schools.  She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Sumner for many years.  She enjoyed her flowers, playing cards, crocheting, knitting and spending time with her family.

Leona is survived by her 3 sons, Dwight (Jan) Wedemeier of Sumner, Duane (Nancy) Wedemeier of Waterloo, and David (Kim) Wedemeier of Leawood, Kansas; 6 grandchildren and their spouses, Brian Wedemeier, Brad (Ann) Wedemeier of Sumner, Annette (Tom) Hyde of Fairbank, Marshall (Amy) Wedemeier of Waverly, Brandy (Ken) Schwieso of Adel, and Clarissa Wedemeier of Leawood, Kansas; 9 great grandchildren, Clayton and Cortney Wedemeier, Gavin, Ashlyn and Benton Hyde, Carter and Jack Wedemeier, Natalie Mack and Jackson Schwieso; 2 step-great grandchildren, Shelby and Zack Schwieso; 3 sisters, Helen McClain of Vinton, Marva (Orlie) Schellhorn of Clarksville and Joyce (Jack) Gitch of Sumner; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard on June 14, 2003; her parents; and a brother-in-law, Duane McClain.