Leona M. Block, 99, of Chicago, formerly a long-time resident of Lena, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 17, 2024. She resided at Brookdale Lake Shore Drive for the past 13 years.

She was born November 22, 1924, at St. Francis Hospital in Freeport to Alfred Otto and Mabel Amelia (Krusey) Stukenberg. She spent her childhood on the family farm near Florence Station. She attended grade school there and participated in youth activities of the Florence Station Evangelical United Brethren Church. She graduated with the Freeport High School Class of 1942. Her favorite subjects were art and home economics. She was employed in administrative assistant and bookkeeping roles at Micro Switch and the State Bank of Freeport.

She married Carl Block, Jr., of Pearl City, in a sub-zero evening wedding, December 19, 1945, at the Florence Station Evangelical United Brethren Church. To arrive at their honeymoon destination, the Palmer House, they had to stand in the train car all the way from Rockford as it was filled with World War II veterans returning home for Christmas. Leona saved the receipt from the stay. In 2007, the hotel enabled Leona and her daughter to replicate it for the original price in the penthouse, treasured by both.

Leona and Carl farmed near Pearl City after their marriage. She honed her love for cooking and baking, often having aromatic pies out of the oven by breakfast. She volunteered in her daughter's school activities, attended Pearl City Lions Club events with Carl, and was an active member of St. John's Lutheran Church. She served as church secretary, sang in the choir, and helped cook many suppers as a member of the Ladies Aid. She again was employed in administrative assistant positions at Micro Switch and Bankers Life and Casualty in Freeport.

In 1961, Carl changed careers to become an agent for Country Companies (now Country Financial). The family moved to Lena. Leona assisted Carl with administrative work. She started her active volunteer work then. She was a member for 61 years and served as an officer of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority – Delta Mu Chapter, a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church for 63 years, serving as a lay liturgist until she was 86, and an active participant in the Hannah Circle, helping prepare numerous funeral lunches, as well as loving the children of the church. She also represented the circle in Church Women United.

She belonged to the Lena Women's Club and for many years solicited for the Lena Community Combined Fund. She also was a member of the Sewing Club, the Lena Community Card Club, and enjoyed playing social bridge with her foursome of Lena friends.  Two of her most meaningful volunteer activities were tutoring third grade students in reading at the Lena Grade School and judging the Halloween children's costume contest. She helped Carl with the Lena Lions Fall Festival Pork Chop dinner and chaired the Women's Club Pie Stand at the event.

During this time, she became interested in china painting following in the footsteps of her mother-in-law's hobby. She was also known for her beautiful penmanship. Leona and Carl enjoyed attending Country Companies meetings in Chicago, often taking in a musical at the Schubert Theater while there.  They enjoyed spending time with other Country agents and developed deep friendships. Similarly, they often traveled to district Lions Club events, which were special for them. The two of them traveled to Hawaii, Arizona, Canada, other southwest and northwest states. Leona made one fishing trip with the Block family to the remote area of Canada early in her life. Never again she said! She and Carl also enjoyed many winters in Vero Beach, FL with Lena friends.

Carl passed away April 17, 1992. Leona continued to live in Lena, participated in her many activities, and developed friendships with other widows, attending local concerts, plays, bazaars, dinners and holiday activities together. She and her daughter spent more time together in the Chicago area and traveling. Her only trip to Europe was in 2000 to Switzerland, which was a priority for her.

Leona is survived by her daughter, Pamela, of Chicago, and her sister, Lorraine Frautschy, of Freeport. Nieces and nephews who were very special to her, Judith (late Lloyd) Folkerts of Forreston, Jennifer (James) Laughlin of Columbia, SC, Jay Witte of St. Petersburg, FL, Thomas (Jeanie) Frautschy, College Grove, TN and Hilton Head, SC, Randolph (Ann) Block of East Moline, and Marsha Block of Freeport.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Carl, her parents, her in-laws, Carl and Marguerite Block, sisters, Ethel Haijenga and Jean Witte, brothers-in-law, C.F. Haijenga, Harold Witte, and Marshall Frautschy, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, K. Eugene and Marilynn Block, sister-in-law, Berniece Block, and nephew Michael Frautschy.

Cremation rites are to be accorded. A private graveside service will be held for family at the Lena Burial Park with the Reverend Thomas Mosbo officiating.

A Celebration of Life Open House will be held for those whose lives were touched by Leona on Tuesday, June 11, 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm, in the Fellowship Hall of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 118 E. Mason, Lena.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Leona may be made to the Music Department c/o Highland Community College Foundation, 2998 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport, IL 61032.