Leona Dekarske Obituary
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A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church in Wisconsin Rapids, WI on Thursday, June 22, 2023, at 10:30am with Fr. Brian Konopa presiding. Visitation will be held at Ritchay Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids, WI on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, from 4:00pm to 7:00pm. Visitation will also take place on Thursday from 9:30am until the time of service at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Mausoleum.
Leona was born on September 27, 1939, in Stevens Point, WI to Leo and Agnes (Bikowski) Slowinski. She graduated from PJ Jacobs High School in Stevens Point, WI. Leona met the love of her life James "Jim" Dekarske and they were married on September 13, 1958, at St. Bartholomew's Catholic Church in Mill Creek, WI. Leona worked for Nekoosa Papers for many years. She was a devoted Catholic and a member of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church in Wisconsin Rapids, WI.
Leona enjoyed knitting, crocheting, sewing and polka on Sunday's. She had a hard time saying no to anyone and would often drop what she was doing to lend a helping hand. Leona was very proud to make many homemade meals for her family. She had a cherry pie recipe that was unmatched. Leona was named the "State Cherry Pie Queen" and was runner up in the United States for the best cherry pie. Her favorite thing in life was her family. She could always be counted on to be at any of the events for the family.
Leona is survived by her children, Debra (Mike) Daven, Denise Nicholson (Rick), Doug (Linda) Dekarske, Dean (Kristin) Dekarske, all of Wisconsin Rapids; grandchildren, Tara (Simon) Welch, Tiffany Nicholson (Nate), Trevor Nicholson, Max Daven, Callie (Evan) Kulinski, Chelsea (Jacob) Sinnen, Jacob Dekarske, Jessica Dekarske, Joshua Dekarske; great grandchildren, Blake and Brylee Welch, Kashton, Kensley, Kolson and Kaislyn Kurszewski, Willow and Waylynn Kulinski, Chloe and Claire Sinnen; brothers, Deloyd (Shirley) Slowinski, Robert (Lucy) Slowinski; sisters, Barbara (Joseph) Rybicki, Elaine (Leonard) Przybelski and many extended family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, James Dekarske; daughter, Doreen Dekarske; brothers, Richard Slowinski, Greg Slowinski; sisters, Lorraine Wiernik, Delores Miller.
The family would like to thank the Intensive Care Unit of Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital and especially Diane for the loving and compassionate care given to mom. The family would also like to say thank you to Uncle Nubbs and Kenny for the daily visits to Mom. They always brought joy and smiles to everyone.
Ritchay Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
To send flowers to the family of Leona, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
Ginny Johnson
June 21, 2023
Leona was such a special person. When I first started working at Nekoosa Papers, I was young and inexperienced, and she was a warm and welcoming ray of sunshine. She was so kind, and I'll never forget her friendship. My deepest sympathies go out to her family.
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Kim Dolan
June 19, 2023
My sympathies go out to the Dekarske family, Leona was such a beautiful lady.
Laurie Scheunemann
June 18, 2023
So many of us think that the little things don't matter much. In reality they do matter and are greatly noticed! Didn't know Leona personally, but I did see her at the "Y" and right away noticed her smile and her Christian ways. She always took time to talk to people around her and just her voice and presence while working out was a blessing to many. I will miss seeing Leona there, and know Jesus gained a wonderful lady in heaven! Laurie Scheunemann
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1950 12th St South, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495-0847
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