Leona Thiele

Leona Freda (Gottschalk) Thiele, age 101, of Winona, passed away peacefully with her family and pastor by her side on Monday, February 5, 2024, at Lake Winona Manor.

Leona was born on January 25, 1923, to Max and Freda (Gatzlaff) Gottschalk in Bluff Siding, WI. She grew up in Winona, Minnesota. Leona was a longtime member of Grace Presbyterian Church where she was very involved in the women's group and teaching Sunday School. Leona worked for the Federal Bakery and Spurgeons Clothing Store and was the secretary at Madison School in Winona for 25 years.

Leona married Wally Thiele on October 16, 1943, and the couple lived together in Winona for 73 years. Leona enjoyed taking bus trips with Wally throughout the US, Mexico and Canada. They especially enjoyed trips to Alaska and Hawaii. Leona was an avid reader. She loved knitting and various forms of needlework. She also enjoyed watching Jeopardy and other TV game shows. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and caregiver to husband Wally.

Leona is survived by; a brother, Victor (Marge) Gottschalk, Winona; three sons, Richard (Betty) Thiele, French Island, WI, Steven (Colleen) Thiele, Winona, Eugene Thiele, Winona; and a daughter Pamela (Greg) Lica, Winona; grandchildren Gary (Heidi) Thiele, Andrew Thiele, Darci (Brian) Prodzinski, Teri Thiele, and Jon Lica; and great-grandchildren Casey (Alissha) and Abby Thiele, Avrey and Aven Prodzinski and Zinnia Lica.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Wally; and sister Mickey Sheridan. The family would like to extend grateful thanks and appreciation to the to the staff, past and present, at Lake Winona Manor for their loving care and understanding.

A memorial service will be held at Grace Presbyterian Church on Friday, February 23, 2024 at 2:00pm with visitation one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Grace Presbyterian Church, 222 East Broadway, Winona, MN.