Leona Shuda

Leona (Fritz) Shuda, age 97, passed away peacefully on Oct. 5, 2023 at her home in Lehigh-Route 5, Rice Lake, WI, surrounded by the love of her family.

Leona was born May 2, 1926 in Dunn County, WI to Alexander & Viola (Hawkins) Fritz.

As a teenager, she had worked for her room & board so she could attend Rice Lake High School, graduating in 1945. In the final weeks of her senior year, Leona was hired as a proof reader and became one of the first Linotype Operators at the Rice Lake Chronotype. She eagerly let people know that 'Job Security' was walking across the stage to receive her HS diploma with her first paycheck in her pocket!

Leona married Henry J. Shuda in 1948. They lived on the family farm where they raised their 5 children. Together they attended ABVM Catholic Church in Strickland.

As a Senior Citizen, Leona worked at the Office on Aging and then ADRC for over 30 years supervising the Loan Closet. She was 92 when she retired, proud to have been able to help the "Old People".

She is survived by her children: Mary, Michael (Stacy), Patrick (Debbie), Mark (Marsha), Ann (Bryant), grandchildren: Michael Shuda, Cynthia (Tony) Shepherd, Daniel (Merinda) Jennerman, Jacob (Holly) Jennerman, Nathaniel Shuda, Caitlin Shuda, one brother: Arthur Erickson, one sister: Katherine Burger and many nieces and nephews. Leona was proceeded in death by her husband: Henry "Red" Shuda, her sister-in-laws: Genevieve Letness, Henrietta Nelson, & Rosemary Shuda, her parents: Alex & Viola Fritz, her brothers: William, Robert & Daniel Fritz and her sisters: Celia Laustad & Florence Reuter.

Leona's family wishes to thank the Marshfield Hospice Program.

Visitation and prayer service will be at Rauch-Lundeen Funeral Home in Cameron, WI, Saturday, Oct 14th from 4 to 8 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial & Interment will take place on Saturday, Oct 21st at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Strickland at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Marshfield Hospice Program; Barron Co Food Pantry and ADRC – Barron.

Arrangements are with Rausch-Lundeen Funeral Homes, Cameron & Dallas.