Leona V. Rieches, 101, of Cissna Park, fell peacefully asleep in Jesus’ eternal embrace on Sunday, December 31, 2023 surrounded by her loving family at her daughter’s home in Champaign, Illinois.
Leona was born on October 29, 1922 in Ash Grove Twp., the daughter of Henry and Dora (Meyer) Rascher and they preceded her in death. She married Irvin H. Rieches on May 25, 1941 in Buckley, Illinois and they shared over 70 years of a beautiful marriage. He preceded her in death on April 10, 2012. She was also preceded in death by two sisters, Anita Henrichs and Myra Rust; and one son, Lee I. Rieches.
She is survived by three sons, Ronald (Sharon) Rieches of Buckley, Richard (Kim) Rieches of Onarga, and Ryan (Marian) Rieches of Santa Ana, CA; one daughter, Joy Lou (Jay) Walker of Champaign; eleven grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren.
Leona's greatest accomplishment was her family and being present for them when they needed her and throughout all the milestones in their lives. She loved to have photos of her family displayed throughout her home and in numerous photo albums. Her hobbies included gardening, canning, baking and making quilts for her family. She loved to collect and display her Salt & Pepper shaker collection of over 500 pair. She loved to travel with Irvin in their retirement years. Above all, she was the Lord's faithful servant, instilling that faith and kindness into her children, grandchildren and everyone she met.
Leona was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Cissna Park as well as attended St. John Lutheran Church in Champaign for the last twelve years.
Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service on Saturday January 6th, 2024 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cissna Park. Revs. Dale Fjordbotten and Jeff Caithamer will officiate. Burial will follow at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery at Ash Grove.
Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church in Cissna Park or St John’s Lutheran Church at Ash Grove.
Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park.
Please share a memory of Leona at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.
