Leona Krupp

Leona Adelaide Goltz Krupp, daughter of Edward J. and Hulda H. (Neumann) Goltz, was born June 12, 1916, at her parents'' farm home at rural Wood Lake, MN in Yellow Medicine County. She was baptized at St. Luke''s Lutheran Country Church at Posen Township on July 16, 1916 by J.C. Brauer. She was confirmed April 10, 1930 at the same church by Pastor W. A. Poehler. Leona attended public and parochial schools. Her mother passed away when Leona was 15 years old and Leona continued to keep house, with all its'' farm duties, for her father and brother for 8 years. She was married to Frederick Krupp on June 16, 1940 at her same church. The Rev. W.H. Bouman performed the ceremony before a church full of family and friends. Frederick and Leona enjoyed a short honeymoon and then went to the Krupp family farm; living in the same home Fred''s parents lived in for 40 years. In 1980 the couple moved to their residence in the city of Elmore. Frederick and Leona''s union was blessed with three children: Marlin, Janae and Nadine. After crop failure Leona went to work at Elmer Knutson''s Grocery Store in Blue Earth, now Juba''s Supervalu, where she continued to work for 20 years. Leona was a very busy home maker in addition to working outside of her home. Leona was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was a loving and generous heart in home, church, and community. Leona taught Sunday school for over 30 years as well as Release Time and 7th grade confirmation, in her home, for 10 years. Leona often would say "Trinity Church is my second home" as she was active at Trinity with Bible study, quilting, making lap robes, and serving in any way possible. Fred and Leona were custodians of Trinity Church for over 20 years and she often shared that, "by the grace of God it was our joy to do." Leona was known for her spectacular flower gardens and it was her joy to use her flowers to beautify Trinity and to share them with so many. Leona and her family were privileged, by the grace of God, to celebrate her 90th birthday on June 18, 2006 at Trinity Lutheran Church. Thus far, this obituary was written in Leona''s penmanship sometime after this joyous 90th birthday celebration, June 18, 2006. July 2007, Leona was pleasantly surprised to be nominated and honored to be chosen as the Faribault County Senior Citizen of the Year. Leona felt greatly privileged, as she was "irresistibly drawn" to attend the Ordination of her grandson in Florida, set for Aug. 5, 2007; however, God had other plans, for on Saturday evening late, Leona suffered an Ischemic Stroke. Although her speaking ability was taken, she was still very much alert, recognizing everyone and able to convey her needs and wants to her caregivers. Prior to this time, Leona loved life with a zest that is rare! Leona seldom sat still and enjoyed so many hobbiesgardening, cooking, baking, sewing, making banners and quilts, corresponding frequently with cards for birthdays, anniversaries, and well wishes. She made an awesome potato salad and a "to die for" delicious apple pie! She was often particularly asked to do so and then share her tasty talent! She spent much time in her garden, totally enjoying being in God''s presence of beauty with the miracle of growth of the seasons. She also loved to share many beautiful flowers and plants. Leona read and wrote and/or kept many inspirational self-help items for anyone to better themselves and be closer to God. Her first and ultimate desire was to put God first in your life. Her love of education and learning something every day continued till age 91 and I dare say, yes, even at the Rest Home, she did! Leona wrote the "saddest day of my life" was when her beloved Frederick died, Dec. 9, 2000 after 60 years. Leona was most proud of her children, Marlin and Donna Krupp of Elmore; Janae and Carroll Clausen of Albert Lea; Nadine and Richard Engel of Manteno, Illinois. Both Leona and Fred greatly enjoyed the activities, concerts, recitals, and plays of each grandchild: Kim (Ben) Austin; Amy (Evan) Gough, April (Bryce) Beckman; Ross (Alisha) Engel, Kara (Brian) McHugh, Todd Engel, and Kurt Engel. Leona''s latest joy was her young great-grandchildren: Ayden Austin, Aria Gough, Adelaide Leona Beckman, Abigail and Eliana Engel, and Seth and Nora Joy McHugh. Her presence will be forever missed on every holiday and birthday. She is greatly loved by everyone who knew her. Leona is survived by one sister-in-law, Leilah Franke of Truman and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Fred in 2000, her parents, Ed and Hulda Goltz; parents-in-law Albert and Elsie Krupp; brothers Alfred and Henry; sisters Laura, Clara, Emma, Elsie, Irene, and Elda, sister and brother-in-laws, one niece, and several nephews. The family certainly wishes to commend and hugely thank the CNA''s and nursing care, kitchen staff, chaplain, and all at the Good Samaritan Society of Albert Lea for the extraordinary, compassionate, love, care, and concern that was given to Leona these past 5 years. May the Lord bless each one of you! Mom, we thank you for your strength and encouragement. Her affectionate, glowing smile will always be with us as she enjoys the Banquet of Heaven!