Leona Misterek Heckenlaible went to meet her maker on Saturday, May 24, 2008, after a long courageous battle with cancer and macular degeneration.

Leona was born on June 9, 1921, eight miles south of Harrold, SD, to Richard and Tillie (Shutt) Misterek. Her neighbor lady delivered her as it was her doctor's birthday and he was out celebrating.

Leona was baptized and confirmed in the Harrold Evangelical Lutheran Church. She attended Hill Top Rural School for eight years, and graduated from Harrold High School in 1938. Leona then attended Northern State Teacher's College and started her teaching career in a rural school north of Harrold.

Her dream was to teach children and help prepare them for their future. She has kept in contact with many of her students. One of her students will sing at her funeral. Teaching was her passion and she continued teaching in rural schools for 25 years.

Leona was a member of the Grace Lutheran Church and a member of the Sturgis Senior Citizens when she lived in Boulder Canyon. She also belonged to the Pine Cone Belle's Extension and Craft Club where they made things for the less fortunate.

Leona and her husband, Ray, enjoyed traveling, gardening, woodwork projects, and numerous other craft projects. When she lost her sight, she had to move to Rapid City to independent living where she made many new friends. She always sought out the good in everyone and everything.

She is survived by her children, Richard Cole of Pierre, SD, Sherri Fischer and Susan Marske of Rapid City, Betty Flores of Friendswood, TX, and Monte Cole of Sturgis; stepdaughter, Marlis Meek of Sun City, AZ; ten grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; one sister-in-law, Ester Ohland of Minnesota; and one brother-in-law, LeRoy Lower of Rapid City.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ray; one brother, John; and one sister, Shirley.

Visitation will be Friday from noon until 9:00 p.m. with the family present at 7:00 p.m. and will resume Saturday one hour prior to the service at Kinkade Funeral Chapel.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 31, 2008, at 1:00 p.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel with Rev. Michael Fox officiating. Burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery in Rapid City.

A memorial has been established for the Grace Lutheran Church in Sturgis.