Leona S. Wartenweiler, age 96 of Monroe Died on Friday, March 30, 2012 at Pleasant View Nursing Home. She was born on September 9, 1915 in Monroe Township, the daughter of Charles R. and Marie C. (Geissberger) Benkert. She was a 1932 graduate of Monroe High School. Leona married William J. Wartenweiler on June 8, 1940 at St. John's United Church of Christ by Rev. Paul C. Kehle. In addition to being a homemaker, Leona did clerical and secretarial work in various places and retired at the Monroe Elementary schools in 1981. After retirement, she pursued her interest in historic events, genealogy of her family and antiques. She was a member of Historic Monroe, Green County & Wisconsin Historical Society, Monroe Swiss Club, Historic Cheese Center and over 50 year member of Monroe Women's Club and American Legion Auxiliary. She compiled many scrap books and photo albums of family and historic events for others to share.

She enjoyed traveling, especially in Switzerland, where she found the birthplace of her mother and father's parents and has visited many of the historic places in America. She was an active member of St. John's United Church of Christ, having served on the Council, Women's Guild, Rebekah Circle, Church Archives and Parish Visitor.

Surviving are her sons; Robert (Donna), William L. (Corinne), David (Jan), John M. (Tammie), 13 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild and several nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband, William; brothers, Edwin C. and Walter F. Benkert; sisters, Ada V. Speich, Frieda M. Thomm, Gertrude C. Pickett and Ruth M. McCurry.

There will be no visitation; family burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Monroe. A Memorial Service will be held at St. John's United Church of Christ on Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. officiating. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund is being established in Leona's memory. The Shriner-Hager-Gohlke Funeral Home is serving the family.

Condolences may be sent to the family at: shriner111.com.