Leona N. Meier, age 90 of rural Wiota, WI passed away Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at SSM – St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, WI surrounded by her family. She was born February 26, 1933 the daughter of Lester and Norma (Hendrickson) Everson. Leona grew up in rural Argyle and graduated from Argyle High School. Following high school, she went on to school at the Teachers College at the Normal School in Monroe, WI. After receiving her degree, she taught at Everson and Dobbs County Schools.
Leona was married to the love of her life, Raymond Meier on May 29, 1954 at Yellowstone Lutheran Church in rural Argyle, WI and were married for an incredible 69 years. Their enduring love story was a testament to commitment, partnership, and the joy that comes from a lifetime shared with a true soulmate. Ray and Leona weathered life’s storms together, celebrating its joys, and creating a home filled with love, laughter, and warmth. After their marriage, Leona started farming with her husband and raising their family in Wiota.
Leona’s love extended to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She took immense pride in their accomplishments and found joy in every milestone they achieved. Her family was the center of her world, and her unconditional love formed the foundation upon which they built their own lives.
Leona is survived by her husband Ray; her children: Gary (Diane) Meier of Beloit, WI, Steven (Karen) Meier of Waunakee, WI, and Mary (Jeff) Moore of Gratiot, WI; her grandchildren: Nicholas Meier, Nolan (Elora Ditton) Meier, Kyle Meier, Kayla (Cameron) Marks, Adam (Ashley) Moore, Connor (Christine) Moore, and Brooke Moore; three great-grandchildren: Warner, Violet, and Bryce; one brother: David (Mary) Everson of Monroe, WI; and a community of friends and relatives who will carry her memory in their hearts. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Leona was a faithful member of Wiota Lutheran Church where she was a member of the Women’s Guild, Bible Study, and the church Sewing Group. Her spiritual devotion was a guiding light for many. Her strong faith was not only a source of solace for herself but also an inspiration for everyone who crossed her path. She lived her life with integrity, compassion, and a steadfast belief in Jesus Christ.
Leona’s kitchen was a place of magic, where the aroma of freshly baked treats welcomed all who entered. She had a talent for turning simple ingredients into expressions of love, and her baked goods were a source of comfort and joy for family, friends, and the community. She always made sure that any visitor or helper left with a homemade treat. Her legacy lives on in the recipes she shared and the memories created around her kitchen table. She proudly donated many of her baked goods to pie auctions and Relay for Life auctions throughout the years. Outside of the kitchen, Leona loved to garden and always took great pride in her flower beds. She also had a soft spot in her heart for her cats on the farm and always gave them all the love and attention they needed.
Leona’s departure leaves a void that can never be filled, but her memory will forever be a source of inspiration and comfort to those who were fortunate enough to know her.
A funeral service will be held Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. at Wiota Lutheran Church with Rev. Bruce Engebretson officiating. Burial will be in East Wiota Cemetery. A visitation will be held Saturday, November 11, 2023 from 9:00 A.M. until 10:45 A.M. at Wiota Lutheran Church. The Erickson Funeral Home in Argyle is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Leona’s name.
The family would like to give a special thank you to Leona’s nephew: Kent (Jill) Meier for his daily check-ins and odd jobs that he did for her over the years.
