Leona M. Clasen

Leona Marie Clasen of Tampa, just shy of 97 passed away peacefully on Thursday January 27, 2022. Leona was born in Corcoran Minnesota on January 31st, 1925 where she grew up with her very large family and was 4th out of eight children. Leona is preceded in death by her loving husband Claude Clasen; (Parents) Mae Mae and Emil Hiller; (Brothers) Carl Hiller (killed serving our country), Jimmy Hiller, Bobby Hiller; (Sisters) Mary Ann Hertzog, Audrey Gallagher and Kay Judge. She is survived by her brother Ron Hiller (June), her children Marica Eliason (Don), Sue Clasen (Steve), Marty Clasen (Annie), and Beth Grimes (Eddie). Grandchildren, Tom Eliason (Michelle); Amy Rissell (Joel); Jenny Ahl (Shawn); Jacob Eliason (Bonnie deceased); Cassie Zimmermann; Jamie Peebles (John Michael); Hunter Clasen (Joanna); Max Grimes (Kathryn); and Hallie Grimes. Great-Grandchildren, Jade Rissell, Bennett Ahl, Jack Eliason, Anna Webster (Jackson), Zoey Zimmermann, Emry Zimmermann, Stella Paris, Leo Clasen, Miles Clasen, Calla Grimes, Chloe Grimes and one on the way, God Daughter Trisha Gallagher, and remaining Hiller extended family members in Minnesota and beyond.

Leona grew up in a small farming community in Minnesota. Her father owned the local bar and she was raised eating lots of fresh vegetables which she said contributed to her health and longevity. Leona met her future husband Claude Clasen while attending Robbinsdale High School in “Chemistry” class. Leona excelled in math and science and loved learning. Claude sold his Alto Sax so she could attend Minneapolis Business College. Claude and Leona were married after he returned from the war in 1947. They remained happily married for 68 years until Claude’s passing in December of 2015.

Leona was known as a wonderful wife, mother, sister, and grandmother (aka Ona Grandma or GG). She enjoyed cooking and shared many cherished family recipes with everyone that are now staples at family holiday dinners. Leona owned one cellphone in her life,

which remained in her car’s glovebox, just in case something happened. She spoke to her children daily on the landline offering advice, encouragement, and friendship. Leona’s hobbies included bridge clubs, crossword puzzles and taking care of her loving family.

As the daughter of an Irish mother and German father, Leona had a fantastic sense of humor that was always on full display, right to the very end. She was a loyal Catholic worshiper, and a staunch supporter of her Church (St. Paul’s Catholic in Tampa). She also loved music and dancing. As a little girl Leona was fond of listening to her mother play the piano, and her brother Carl play the violin. Throughout her life, Leona loved listening to and dancing to music of all genres, and danced well into her 90’s.

Leona has now passed on to be with the Lord and her loving husband Claude. Please join her family for a funeral mass at St. Paul’s Catholic Church on Friday February 11, 2022, at 2:30 p.m. At a later date, Leona will be reunited with Claude at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.