Leona Louisa (Wirges) Brown

Leona L. Brown: 101, of Elkhorn, WI formerly of Lincoln, Nebraska died Monday March 13, 2023 at Gardens at Ridgestone, Elkhorn, WI.  She was born August 31, 1921 in Petersburg, Nebraska the daughter of the late Anna (Salber) and Joseph A. Wirges, Sr. 

Leona was united in marriage on July 11, 1949 in Petersburg, Nebraska to Oren Ralph Brown.  Oren died June 8, 1988.  Leona worked as a salesclerk for JC Penney Company for over 26 years retiring in 1987. 

She enjoyed gardening and crocheting and was an avid reader and card player.  Leona enjoyed spending time with her daughters and grandchildren and often said “don’t buy me anything, just come see me and spend time with me.” 

Leona is survived by her three daughters: Elaine (Gary) Trunkenbolz of Wonder Lake, IL, Paula (Bryan) Ruggles of Northlake, Texas and Linda Larson of Elkhorn, Wisconsin; six grandchildren: Lisa and Jenni Trunkenbolz, Justin (Courtney) Ruggles, Brendan Ruggles (Leana Kastern); Kyle Larson (Kallan Johnson) and Rachel Larson.  Four great-grandchildren:  Rhett and Ryder Ruggles, Ethan Ortega and Fiona Pacie and her father Mike Pacie. 

Leona was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Oren of 38 years, two infants sons, Stephen and Paul, son-in-law David Larson, three brothers: John, Joseph, Jr. and Bernard; four sisters: Marcella, Frances, Helen and Alvina, and her special friend John “Jack” Wunderlich.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday June 16, 2023 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church 3128 “S” Street Lincoln, Nebraska.  Rosary at 10:00 am; Mass at 10:30 am; graveside services immediately following at Calvary Cemetery, 3880 “L” Street, Lincoln, Nebraska. 

Memorials may be made in Leona’s name to Sacred Heart Church.  On-line guestbook at www.haaselockwoodfhs.com.

The family is most grateful to the staff at Gardens at Ridgestone, as well as the Aurora At Home Hospice team for their kind, compassionate and loving care for Leona during her final days.