Leona Marie Kernen

KERNEN, Leona Marie Dec 7, 1937 – Jan 28, 2014 As in her life, Leona passed with grace and dignity at Hospice House in Omaha on January 28, 2014. Leona was born December 7, 1937 in Villisca, Iowa, the daughter of Seymour and Clara (Brown) Johnson. She graduated from the American Institute of Business in 1957 with a degree from the Executive Secretary program. She worked for Carpenter Paper Company from 1957 to 1962, at which time she elected to become a full-time homemaker, mother and volunteer. On September 20, 1959 Leona married A. William “Bill” Kernen in Villisca; they were married for 54 years. Leona is much loved by her family, friends, and most of all, her Lord. She was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Omaha, where she was active in Women’s Guild, Altar Guild, Stewardship subcommittee, committee to acquire a new pipe organ, and the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. Together with her husband Bill, Leona supported several Lutheran Church ministries and they received recognition from the Association of Lutheran Development Executives through the Heartland Chapter “Spirit of Giving Award” in 2007, the Lutheran Family Services-Nebraska “Faith in Action Award” in 2008, and the Concordia University-Nebraska “Crest of Christ Award,” and the Concordia Schools of Omaha “Legacy Award” in 2011. Leona is survived by her husband, Bill; daughter, Kerry Kernen of Hudson, Ohio; son, Jonathan Kernen (Jeanine) of Omaha; daughter, Marcia Struble (Ken) of Omaha; son Philip Kernen (Dawn) of Overland Park, KS; 14 grandchildren: Marian, Kaitlin, Allison, Eric, Kelly, Jaclyn (Jeremy), Matthew, Nathanael, Tommy, Jordan, Sara, Elena, Lydia and Everett; one brother, Richard Johnson (Pat) of Council Bluffs, Iowa; one sister, Avon Mumm (Garry) of Albany, Oregon; sisters-in-law, Kathy Bross (Richard) of Villisca, Iowa and Gloria Johnson of Archbold, Ohio; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Larry Johnson; niece, Jennifer Johnson. VISITATION Sunday, February 2nd from 1pm to 7pm with family receiving friends 5pm to 7pm at the West Center Chapel. SERVICES Monday, February 3rd at 10:30am at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 1821 N. 90 St. Interment, Evergreen Memorial Park. Memorials are suggestsed to St Mark’s Lutheran Church; Visiting Nurse Association; Hospice House-The Josie Harper Residence; or Concordia Lutheran Schools of Omaha Foundation Scholarship Fund.

HEAFEY-HEAFEY-HOFFMANN DWORAK & CUTLER Mortuaries and Crematories 7805 West Center Road Omaha, Nebraska 68124 (402) 391-3900