Leona Tarrell was born December 4, 1935 at her family farm near Canistota, SD to Charles E and Lena E (Buseman) Tarrell. She graduated from Canistota High School in May, 1953.
She was united in marriage to Roy Ernest Stangohr on December 19, 1953 at her family farm. She and Roy farmed together south of Howard for the next 53 years. She devoted her considerable management and nuturing talents to raising seven children: Kathryn, Cindy, Marcia, Gary, Terry, Cheryl and Amy. The people who loved one of Leona’s own became part of the Stangohr family. Her 26 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren wer her special joy. Their accomplishments and acheivements were very important to her and celebrated like her own. Her home was blessed with many occasions and much activity. Her friends were happy additions to her family. No on ever left their table hungry or without an urging to “come again soon.”
She had an extraordinary ability to make a person feel special - recognizing that each had unique abilities and encouraging them to see and to use those abilities. Each grandchild was awarded the title of “Grandma’s favorite!”
Leona was active at Beach United Methodist Church including United Methodist Women, Sunday School and various church committees.
Grateful for having shared her life are her husband Roy, Kathy & Greg Callies of Winfred, Cindy Schwader, Marcia & Randy Sherman, Gary & Mary Stangohr, Terry & Diane Stangohr, Cheryl Moore of Howard, Jim Moore of Burke and Amy & Tony West fo Sioux Falls. Grandchildren include: Wendy & Loren Eich, Mitchell, Mason & Cody; Ryan & Sara Miller, Lane & Tate; Sarah & Jared Feldhaus, John & Lucas; David Callies and Ashley Neises, Mike Schwader; Kevin & Ashley Schwader & Keegan, Tami & Brent Severson, Breanna & Austin; Darin & Shelly Schwader; Tim & Kelly Sherman, Katie & Kacy; Shauna & Mitch Jacobs & Burken; Jenny Sherman & Tim Welch; Charles Stangohr; William Stangohr; Andrew Stangohr; Stephanie Stangohr & Cody Lefdal & David; Stott Stangohr; Wyatt Stangohr; & Shelly Stangory; Robert Moore & Amaris Anderson; Rebecca Moore & Rob Mommaerts & Blake; Daniel Moore & Brandy Hughes; Benjamin Moore; Jacqueline Moore & David Austerman; Brock West; Nathaniel West and Amanda West and many close friends.