Leona (Opbroek) Hausmann was born on February 7th, 1913 and died on December 16th, 2008 at the age of 95 years. She was one of 14 children born to Henry and Margaret (Ritz) Opbroek on their family farm east of Fairfax.
She attended school through the 8th grade and soon after started working for the priest in Fairfax doing domestic chores, cleaning house and tending children for families in the area.
Leona was born and raised a devout Catholic and her faith was a constant presence throughout her life. Her Rosary beads were never far from her side; her family was sure she had a direct line to God.
Leona was united in marriage to Ray Pistulka on June 13th, 1933. They made their home on a farm east of Bonesteel and later moved into town. From this union four children were born: Dewey, Connie, Kathy and Rick.
Ray and Leona were married for 47 years. Ray preceded Leona in death in 1980. On August 18th, 1984, Leona and Don Hausmann were married, at which time Leona acquired her second family.
Gardening and dancing were two of Leona's favorite pastimes. Seldom was there a time that a fresh flower was not found on her dinning room table or kitchen counter. She would dance whenever and wherever she got the chance. Later she passed her enthusiasm for dancing on to her granddaughter by teaching her the chicken dance in the dining room.
Leona was always known for a neat and tidy household. She had a passion for cleaning, not only her house but others that she visited. If she had the opportunity, while visiting for a few days, trust me, when she left, your house would be a cleaner place. She could always find something to 'tidy' up.
Those grateful for having shared her life are: her husband Don, his children and grandchildren, her children; Connie (Allen) Sadler of Oklahoma City, OK; Kathy (Les) Hertz of Sioux Falls, SD; and Rick (Alane) Pistulka of Edmond, OK; 4 sisters; Sylvia, Rosalain, Helen and Florence and 1 brother; Henry. She also has 10 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Leona was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Ray, son Dewey, sisters; Mary, Loretta, and Dolores (in infancy) and brothers; Arnold, Robert, Norbert, Gerhardt and Leander.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2008 at 2:00 PM at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Bonesteel. Burial will at St. Mary's Cemetery, Bonesteel. There will be a rosary on Friday at 7:00 PM at the Church. Visitation will be one hour prior to both services at the church.