Leone Willkom

Leone M. Willkom, 92, of Chippewa Falls, died peacefully at Sacred Heart Hospital on Sunday, May 2, 2010 surrounded by her family.

Born February 15, 1918 in Boyd, Leone was the first of eight children to Rose (Vandenberg) and Jacob Janssen.

Leone married Oswald J. Willkom on October 30, 1940 at St. Joseph's Church in Boyd. Oswald preceded her in death in 1965.

She worked as an LPN at the Northern Center for the Developmentally Disabled in Chippewa Falls, retiring after many years.

Leone is survived by her children, Lawrence (Bonnie) Willkom of Chippewa Falls, Terry (Susan) Willkom of Eau Claire and Lynn Willkom of Madison; a brother, Robert (Phyllis) Janssen; and two sisters, Dorothy (Robert) Cance, Ida Mae (Charles) Lengyel. She is also survived by her "special girls, " granddaughters Mary Catherine (James) Anglum, Michelle (David) Markquart, Lori (Douglas) Baeckman, Julie (David) Crawford; step-grandchildren, Jay (Diane) Geier and Jill Geier; great-grandchildren, Evan and Spencer Baeckman, Mackenzi and Elaina Markquart, and Shanda Staves; step-great-grandchildren, Flint, Jack and Annabelle Geier; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Oswald, a daughter-in-law, Sharon Maxwell Willkom; three sisters, Sister Rosaline, O.S.F., Mary Elizabeth Bowen, Roselyn Steinmetz and one brother, Giles Janssen.

A memorial Mass will be held at 12 noon, Thursday, May 6 at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Chippewa Falls with Fr. Arul Joseph officiating. Interment will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery in Boyd at a later date.

Friends may call one hour prior to the service at the church.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the medical, nursing and pastoral care staff of Sacred Heart Hospital for their compassionate support.

Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, Chippewa Falls is serving the family.

Visit pedersonvolker.com to express online condolences.