Leona Abrath

Leona R. Abrath, 93, of Rochester, passed away Sunday, Dec. 6, 2015, at Shorewood Reflections in Rochester.

Leona was born Dec. 30, 1921, in St. Paul, to Lionel and Ruth (Million) Holden. She graduated from high school in Ashland, Wis., in 1939.

On June 28, 1948, she married Charles Abrath in Milwaukee, Wis. During World War II, she was a member of the Waves.

She was a member of Christ United Methodist Church for almost 50 years where she also was a member of the Ladies Circle. Before marriage, Leona was a Girl Friday. She was a homemaker and loving wife and mother; she also was a volunteer coordinator for Meals on Wheels for several years. Leona enjoyed crocheting, needlework, and working in her flower garden. She and her husband, Chuck, were members of the Purple Foot Wine Club, and they enjoyed traveling, camping, and sailing on Lake Pepin. Following her stroke, Leona was very determined to carry on with life. 

Leona is survived by her daughters, Karen (Greg) Heath of Litchfield, Minn., and Denise (Nathan) Davidson of Grand Meadow; her sister, Alice Schwirtz of Plainview; her brother, John Dunahee of Eyota; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles; two brothers, Art Holden and Len Holden; one sister, Frances Holden; and her parents, Ruth and Lionel.

A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9, at Ranfranz & Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, with Pastor Katy Lee officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday, Dec. 8, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Ranfranz & Vine. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery.

To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.

The family is deeply grateful for the loving care provided to her by Shorewood staff and more recently St. Croix Hospice.