Leona Ruth Chilson

Leona Ruth was born in Denmark Township on January 25, 1929, to Ferdinand (Fred) and Ruth Ann Pechacek. She was raised on the family farm with her 11 siblings, where her education started in a Denmark Township one room schoolhouse. Leona attended and graduated from Hastings High School in 1946, where she met her future husband, Eli J. Chilson, whom she wed on May 29, 1954. Besides running a busy household and raising her 8 children, Leona enjoyed years of cabin life, family gatherings and holidays, and attending her grandchildren’s sporting events and school activities. Leona was quite the card shark, playing in numerous card clubs her entire life. She always returned from bowling league with a smile on her face, proud of her scores. Leona was a thoughtful seamstress, creating graduation quilts, memorial bears and antique dolls as beautiful gifts. Leona was a loving Mother, Grandma, Grammy, GG, and good friend. She had a quick wit, a heart of gold, and a permanent twinkle in her eye. She will be missed by many. Leona was an active member and volunteer for the Daughters of Isabella, Hastings Senior Center, and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. She was preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband, Eli “Chub” Chilson; son, John Chilson; daughter-in-law, Lynette Chilson; sons-in-law Mike Warner and Gary Seibert; and siblings, Ella Hageman, Edward Pechacek, Earl Pechacek, Lawrence Pechacek, Lorraine Cater, Loretta Gorgus, and Walter Pechacek. Leona is survived by her children, Lynne Seibert, Karen Warner, Roger (Judee) Chilson, Mary (Gary) Riveness, Cynthia (Matt) Finger, Donna Chilson, and Elaine (John) Klimek; daughter-in-law, Ann Chilson; 21 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren; siblings, William (LuEtta) Pechacek, Josephine (Norm) George, Dorothy Meyer, and Helen (Vern) Rasmussen; and many nieces and nephews. The Lord welcomed Leona with loving arms on August 20, 2020. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, August 31 at 11:00 am at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2035 W. 15th St. Hastings. A visitation will be held on Monday from 9:30 - 10:30 am at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel, 3075 Vermillion St., Hastings. Interment, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Cemetery. Visit hastingsmnfuneral.com to view the memorial video and sign the online tribute page.