Leona Margaretha Bussert, the daughter of Otto and Anna Runge Lettow was born January 19, 1914, in Buckeye Township, IA. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Missouri Church in Buckeye.
Leona received her education in Buckeye graduating from Buckeye High School in 1933. She grew up with a big interest in music art. She taught Bible School and Sunday School, while also being in the choir for many years.
Leona married Stanley Douglas in 1936. They made their home in Alden, IA. To this marriage a daughter, De Anne was born. Leona was appointed window clerk in the Post Office where she worked for many years. Stanley, later passed away of cancer in 1960.
Leona married Rev. Paul Bussert in 1964. After moving to Chicago, IL, they moved back to Iowa in 1972. In 1979, they moved to Spencer, IA where they became members of First English Lutheran Church. Leona became librarian for the Thursday Night School, for nearly 17 years.
Leona passed away Thursday, July 21, at St. Luke Lutheran Home, Spencer, IA. She was preceded in death by her parents; 4 brothers: Gus, Martin, Everett, and Elmer Lettow; 3 sisters: Luella Lettow, Arlene Kinney, and Patty Brinkmeyer; one daughter, DeAnne McGuire; one granddaughter, Molly Hiscocks; and 2 great-grandchildren, Emma Hiscocks and Charlie Hiscocks.
Left to cherish her memory is her husband, Rev. Paul Bussert; 6 step-children, Judy (Don) Schlueter of Detroit, MI, Jeanie (Gary) Porter of Waynesville, MO, Jerri (Steve) Johnson of Eagan, MN, Mark (Jackie) Bussert of Elmhurst, IL, Joy Bussert of Eagan, MN and Janelle Bussert of St. Paul, MN; 3 grandchildren: Jack, Doug (Tanya), and Ryan (Missy) McGuire; 7 great-grandchildren; one sister, Marge Stensland; one brother-in-law, Hans Brinkmeyer; one son-in-law, Terry McGuire; many nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends
SERVICES
Funeral services will take place Tuesday, July 26, at 10:00 A.M., at First English Lutheran Church
OFFICIATING
Pastor Ron Meyer
CASKET BEARERS
Ted Lambertus
John McGuire
Steve Johnson
Mark Bussert
HONORARY PALLBEARERS:
Kylie McGuire
Marlie McGuire
Rylee McGuire
Sullivan McGuire
Douglous McGuire
VISITATION
Visitation will take place Monday, July 25, at Warner Funeral Home in Spencer, starting at 5:00 P.M., with family present from 5-7:00 P.M.
MUSIC
"If With All Your Hearts"
"Just A Closer Walk With Thee"
"Abide With Me"
INTERMENT
Alden Cemetery - Alden, IA
2:30 P.M. Graveside Service