Leona Lena Reyelts
March 1, 1932 – August 26, 2024
On the evening of August 26th, God sent a strong wind to raise up the soul of one of His true and faithful servants. Rainbows and lightening decorated the skies as Leona Reyelts, aged 92, died peacefully of natural causes to join her husband, Rev. Lawrence Reyelts and granddaughter Thalea in Heaven’s embrace.
Born in 1932 on a farm near LeMars, IA, Leona married Larry at 19 and together served Lutheran churches, first in California, then throughout western Canada. They returned to the US in 1972 and settled in SE Minneapolis where Leona immersed herself in service at the University Lutheran Church of Hope (ULCH). As Director of Education, she organized a Sunday School which had epic Christmas pageants and Vacation bible Schools featuring costumed teachers and live animals. Later she helped coordinate funeral luncheons at ULCH and was active in their senior group, the Hope Diamonds.
Leona brought boundless energy to her volunteer work at church and in her community. She was an immaculate housekeeper, loving, kind and accepting of others, she especially loved children. She always tried her hardest and never complained.
Never seeking the limelight, Leona was the one behind the scenes who got things done. In her last months as her strength diminished and her memory faded, she would ask, “Shouldn’t I be doing something?” She was a doer. During this last phase of life Leona was surrounded by loving care from the staff and residents at Lyngblomsten Care Center in St. Paul. With support from Allina Hospice Services and frequent visits from friends and family, Leona was assured that after a life full of service to others she had earned a time to rest.
Leona will be missed by her children, Steven (Barbara) of Duluth, Debra Caravitis of Victoria, BC, Dan (Donna) of Farmington, 5 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren, along with countless friends and relatives. We all “love you, a bushel and a peck”.
All obituary information has been taken from the funeral home, newspaper or other online resource.
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