Leona Saumer Gyllen

Leona was born May 11, 1917, in Sandstone, Minn., to John and Lydia Saumer. After graduating from high school she attended business school. On September 28, 1944, Leona married Howard E. Gyllen. She worked as a teller at Pioneer National Bank for 20 years, before retiring.

Leona was a very strong advocate for children with disabilities. She was an active member at St. James Catholic Church and a member of the St. Margaret Guild. Leona was always involved in supporting the church and school, especially making pasties. Being with family was the most important thing in her life, she especially enjoyed cooking for them and also enjoyed working in her garden.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Howard in 2008; two daughters, Mary Elizabeth Gyllen and Joanne House; her parents; three brothers, John “Eddie”, Joseph and James; two sisters, Dolores Carpenter and Marcella Lilliberg.

Leona is survived by her son, John (Adrienne), of St. Croix Falls, WI and daughter, Patty (Jeff) Johnson, of Duluth; son-in-law, Richard House, of Elgin, IL; eight grandchildren, Colleen (Kirk) Pochocki, Andrea (Joe) Yates, Bryan (Dana) Gyllen, Anne (Christian) Minich, Jason House, Jill (Eric) Filiatrault, Jennae (Elliot) Saltzman and Mark (Laura) Johnson; nine great-grandchildren, Jack, Adelaida, Josie, Avery, Maya Rose, Jocelyn, Ashley, Marguerite and Noah.

Memorials preferred in lieu of flowers to “ Susan G. Komen for the Cure” 301 South Avenue, Bloomington, MN 55425. The family would like to express their appreciation to the entire staf,f at all levels, of the Benedictine Center Continuum of Care.

Visitation 5:00 to 7:00pm Wednesday, December 8th at the Bell Brothers Funeral Chapel and will continue from 10:00am until the 11:00am funeral service Thursday, December 9th at St. James Catholic Church, 721 N. 57th Ave. West. Interment will be in Oneota Cemetery. Please leave a memory of Leona or words of support for the family at www.bellbrothersfuneralhome.com Arrangements by Bell Brothers Funeral Home, 601 n. 56th Ave. W.