Leone Mary Coonradt

Leone Mary Coonradt was born to William and Lena (Backer) Esser on April 15, 1923 in Cartersville, IA.  Her childhood years were spent in Cartersville, where she attended country school. After graduating from Rockwell High School, Leone received her license in cosmetology.

On July 4, 1947 Leone married the love of her life, Rowland J. Coonradt.  They raised their family in several communities throughout the midwest. Over her working career, Leone worked as a beautician, a clerical assistant for Dr. Stewart Olson, and in the dietary department of Edward Hospital, Naperville, IL.  In retirement, Leone and Rowlie spent nearly 30 wonderful years in Fairfield Bay, AR.  They were one of the founding families for Kirk of the Hills Presbyterian Church, and Leone was active in circles and prayer group. 

Leone enjoyed entertaining family and friends, traveling, dancing to the “big bands”, gardening, sewing, quilting and crafting.  She was an avid card player.  In her later years she loved watching westerns and eating popcorn in the afternoons.

At the time of her death, Leone resided at St. Luke Lutheran Home in Spencer, IA.  She passed away two days after her 97th birthday, April 17, 2020.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Rowland Coonradt; son, Terry R. Coonradt; sisters, Dorothy Ross, Rose Wilhm, Arlene Kirchoff, Alice Stricker, Betty Larson, Marcella Esser; and brother, Leo Esser.

Leone is survived by her two daughters, Sharon K. Olson (Michael) and Janet R. Papaevagelou (Paul); 7 grandchildren, Mary Beth Geelan (John), Julie Peterson (Kyle), James Olson (Amanda), Nonda Papaevagelou, Dimitri Papaevagelou, Mitchell Coonradt (Kayla), and Spencer Coonradt (Kaela Danz); and 14 great-grandchildren, Sam and Lily Geelan, Teddy, Janie, and Lucy Peterson, Vivian and Wally Olson, Paul, Leonidas, and Demetrios Papaevagelou,  Madison and Knox Coonradt, and Ally Danz and Harper Coonradt.

The family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude and thanks to the caregivers at St. Luke Lutheran Home and the Kindred Hospice staff. 

Due to State and Federal guidance on gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the family will not be having a public memorial at this time.

Memorials are designated to

Kindred Hospice Foundation
1370 Lake Street
Spirit Lake, IA 51360