Leona E. Klassey

Age 88, of Monroe, died on Tuesday, July 5, 2022 at Aster Assisted Living. Leona was born on November 8, 1933 in Lafayette County, the daughter of Leo and Elsie (Taufmann) Tornow. She graduated from South Wayne High School in 1951 and Green County Normal School in 1953. Leona was united in marriage to Wilbert H. Klassey on June 21, 1953 at St. Paul United Church of Christ in rural South Wayne. She loved being a stay at home Mom with her two children. Leona worked at the Sentry Store in Monroe as the children became older. She was an active member of St. John’s United Church of Christ where she sang in the choir, accompanied the choir on piano, taught Sunday school, served on various committees, and occasionally played the organ. She enjoyed reading and baking, especially cherry pie and chocolate brownies. In retirement, Leona and Wilbert loved to travel throughout the United States, Canada, and Switzerland.

She is survived by a daughter, Christine (William) Viney of Virginia; a son, Kenneth Klassey of Monroe; grandson, William K. (Angela Kuzma) Viney; two greatgrandchildren, John and Elizabeth Viney, all of Virginia; brother, Herbert (Yvonne) Tornow of South Wayne; sister, Erma Kaster of Monroe; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; granddaughter-in-law, Laura Viney; and two sisters, Agnes Shippee and Margaret Akins.

Private funeral services will be held on Monday, July 11, 2022, at St. John’s United Church of Christ, Monroe, with Rev. Tiff Bates officiating. Interment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery, Monroe. There will be no visitation. A memorial fund will be established in Leona’s name for the National Historic Cheesemaking Center and St. John’s United Church of Christ Endowment Fund. The Newcomer Funeral Home, Monroe, is assisting the family. Condolences may be shared at www.newcomerfuneralhome.net