Leona K. Schlingmann

Leona Katherine (Friedges) Schlingmann, age 90, of Belle Plaine, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 27, 2019 at The Lutheran Home in Belle Plaine. Mass of Christian burial will be 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 6 at Our Lady of the Prairie Church in Belle Plaine. Visitation will be from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 5 at the Kolden Funeral Home in Belle Plaine and continue one hour prior to the Mass at the church on Monday morning. Interment will be in Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery, Belle Plaine. Luncheon will follow the burial at Our Lady of the Prairie Church in Belle Plaine.

Leona Katherine Schlingmann was born April 23, 1929 to parents, Henry and Elizabeth (Wagner) Friedges, in New Market, MN, where she enjoyed growing up with her siblings, Susan, Roman, Julius and Elmer. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in New Market.  She graduated from New Prague High School.   On October 25, 1952, she married Robert Schlingmann at St. Nicholas Church, New Market, MN. She and Robert enjoyed a wonderful marriage, until Robert’s death on December 11, 1989. They lived in Belle Plaine where they raised their nine children.

She married Sylvester Wacker on October 11, 2011 at Our Lady of the Prairie Church, Belle Plaine, MN. They enjoyed their time together, living in Belle Plaine, until they moved to New Perspective Senior Living in Prior Lake, MN in December 2016. 

Leona worked at many places during her life, from picking apples at Sponsel’s Orchard, being a nanny, working at Green Giant, Mystic Lake Casino, Casey’s General Store, and the Hope Residence.

Leona loved the outdoors, especially growing flowers and fishing. She also enjoyed swimming, dancing, her many vacation travels, parties and garage sales. Leona was an excellent cook and baked many loaves of bread and ‘big pancakes’ for her family. Always, her favorite time was spent with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was a faithful member of Our Lady of the Prairie Church where she served on the many committees over the years.

She is survived by her children, Steven Schlingmann, Ernest Schlingmann (Marilyn), Joyce Mode (Thomas), Thomas Schlingmann (LaVonne), Gloria Reineccius (Kenneth), Elaine White (Cayce Halvorson), Michael Schlingmann (Tammy), Paul Schlingmann, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brother Julius (Alice) Friedges, many nieces and nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Henry and Elizabeth (Wagner) Friedges, husband Robert Schlingmann, son Jerome Schlingmann, and siblings Susan Warzonek, Roman Friedges and Elmer Friedges.

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