On December 27, 1921 she married Norman Kurtz in Menominee, MI. Leona lived in Oconto Falls for most of her life where along with her husband, they owned and operated Kurtz's Pontiac Garage until 1962 when the business was sold. Leona also worked as a bookkeeper for Bauman's Clothing Store and Porter Floor Covering for many years. She was a very dedicated member of the Oconto Falls United Methodist Church where she was active in all church activities including the church choir, numerous committees and women of the church events. She was also a lifetime member of the Oconto County Historical Society, the American Legion Auxiliary where she held many local, county and state offices, and the Order of the Eastern Star, where she once served as Matron. Leona was a Charter Member of Community Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and continued volunteering well into her 90's.
During World War II she also served as a Salvation Army Representative and was responsible for several successful drives for funds and materials to aid in the war effort while her husband and only son, Jack were serving their country in the military.
Survivors are her grandchildren, Jack Kurtz, Joel (Linda) Kurtz, twins Jeffrey (Linda) and James Kurtz all of Silver Spring, MD, Stephen J. (Karen) Classon, David N. (Judy) Classon all of Green Bay; Dianne (Robert) Beyer, Lena; Barbara (William) Dassing, Henry (Lorrie) Tripp all of Washington, D.C.; 15 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; her very special friends, Earl "Bubby" and Marian Boldt; Barb Nickel; her follow residents and staff of the Meadowlands, all of Oconto Falls.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Norman on March 31, 1960, her son, Jack on February 12, 1955, her daughter and son-in-law, Donna Classon on April 14, 1999, Stephen Classon on March 14, 1994, two sisters, Frieda Ellefsen on June 17, 1984, Sylvia Green on July 10, 1997, a nephew, James Tomlin and her daughter-in-law, JoAnne Tripp on October 16, 1993.
Friends called at the Oconto Falls United Methodist Church, 165 N. Farm Rd., Oconto Falls after 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 23, 2002 until the time of services. Funeral services were conducted 11 a.m. Saturday at the church with the Rev. Jerry Cho officiating. Cremation with burial of the urn in Woodlawn Cemetery, Oconto Falls. Jones Funeral Service served the Kurtz family.