Leona Marie Schultz

Leona Marie Schultz (Tollefson), age 97 of Menasha, WI passed away on February 5, 2024.  She was born to Leo and Tyyne (Rivers) Tollefson on November 8, 1926 in L’Anse, MI, the third of 8 children.  Leona’s childhood was very happy and filled with family and friends who enjoyed outdoor activities such as skating and sledding.  Her father was an avid hunter and fisherman who provided well for his family.  Leona’s childhood included many gatherings with extended family.  The summer picnics were her favorite of those activities.   As Leona grew up and created a family of her own, she encouraged her children to be active and fall in love with the pastimes she held so near and dear to her heart.  

Leona graduated from L’Anse High School in 1944.   After graduating, she decided to join some of her girlfriends to find work in the Detroit area.  She stayed in Detroit for about two years and then tagged along with her friends again as they made the move to Menasha, WI.  In Menasha, Leona worked as a secretary at the American Can Corporation.  While in Menasha, she also rekindled a romance with her future husband, Lloyd.   The two dated when she attended High School in Barga, Michigan, but took their relationship to the next level once in Wisconsin.  Lloyd was in the Navy and Leona would regularly visit him on the east coast.   Lloyd and Leona were married in September of 1950 and from that point on, settled into their life in Menasha.   Together, Leona and Lloyd raised four children – three daughters: Lynne, Leslie, and Jayne; and one son: David.  

Their family loved traveling and would spend many weekends with extended family in Marquette, Escanaba, and L’Anse in Michigan.   They also loved camping and taking family vacations to places such as Washington, D.C., the Smokey Mountains, South Dakota, Colorado, and throughout the Midwest in locations like Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.  The family was strong in their Lutheran faith and enjoyed spending time with their faith community.  Lloyd was the treasurer for their church, St. Timothy’s in Menasha.  Leona began working as a lunch time supervisor when her children started to get older and take off to college.  She remained in her lunch time supervisor position until she was eighty years old and was beloved by all the children and staff during her time there.  

In retirement, Leona traveled extensively with her husband, Lloyd, to Europe (three times), the Panama Canal, Hawaii, Alaska, California, and Canada.  Leona also enjoyed traveling with her sister, Bernice.  The two traveled to Australia three times to visit her daughter, Leslie and, while in Australia, they traveled to Sydney, South Australia, Kangaroo Island, and Tasmania.  Leona also spent a significant amount of time in Florida, spending her winters in Palm Harbor with her two sisters, Bernice and Rena.  Leona joined the Country Villa Community in January of 2018 and enjoyed her friends, caregivers, and activities in her wonderful new home.  

Leona will be missed by her children, Lynne (Steve) Vervacke, Leslie (Mike) Gumpert, David Schultz, and Jayne (Scott) Allen; her grandchildren, Rachelle (Mark) Erickson, Kristy (Nick) Palleria, Jeff Vervacke, Andy (Amber) Vervacke, Steven Gumpert, Leanne (Eric) Lamp, Eric (Jesse) Schultz, Michael Allen, Brian Allen, and Jenny Allen; her 11 great-grandchildren; her siblings, Marvin Tollefson, Phyllis Olson, Rena (Gary) Boucher; her sister-in-law, Betty Tollfeson; as well as many nieces, nephews, other extended relatives, and dear friends. 

In heaven, Leona rejoins her husband, Lloyd; her parents, Leo and Tyyne Tollefson; and her siblings, Edna (Bob) Nord, Raymond (Peg) Tollefson, Bernice (Lee) Nord, and Leslie Tollefson.

A funeral visitation will be held for Leona on Friday, February 23, 2024 from 10-11 AM at Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N. Superior St, Appleton, WI 54911 with a funeral service to follow at 11 AM.  Leona will be laid to rest with her husband at Highland Memorial Park.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the memorial fund the family is setting up in Leona’s name to donate to various organizations she was passionate about.  

Leona’s family would like to send a special thanks to the doctors, nurses, and other staff at ThedaCare At Home Hospice and Country Villa Assisted Living for all their loving and compassionate care during her times of need.