Leona Vasek

Notice: The Funeral for Leona has been moved back one day, to Wednesday, February 3rd.

 

Leona Vasek, 87, of Warren, MN, died on Wednesday, January 27, 2021, in Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, ND.

Leona Mary Gryskiewicz was born on May 10, 1933, near Stephen, MN, the youngest of six children born to Frances (Kostrzewski) and Andrew Gryskiewicz. She was raised on the family farm and attended country school. On June 19, 1957, Leona was united in Holy Matrimony to Frank Vasek in Assumption Catholic Church, Florian, MN. They made their home briefly in Tabor, MN, on Frank's family's farm before moving to Warren where they would live out their vocation for over 50 years.

For over 30 years, Leona was a cook at Warren High School; head cook for about half of that time. In the days when school lunch was totally homemade, Leona never tired of her “work.” In fact, the line between work and home was thin: she'd cook all day and come home and bake. Fresh bread, buns, and cookies were always at-hand. And if you visited Leona it was impossible to leave hungry- she wouldn't let you! She enjoyed watching nature and animals, playing cards, reminiscing about the old days, and dancing with Frank in their younger years. Leona kept a close-knit group of girls (her nieces and their daughters) around her and adored her children and grandchildren. Being able to live at home until the end, she is indebted to her daughter, Colleen, for all the loving care she has received for these last 20 years.

Below her hard-working exterior, Leona was still a child at heart. She was a lifelong prankster and particularly enjoyed having fun with her grandchildren. She also became close to them through her love of professional wrestling. Even if the fights were “fake” (she'd never admit it), she enjoyed the drama of the thing. She relished talking about the latest matches with her grandsons and discussing the finer points of the sport after having watched it three days a week for years.

Leona is survived by her children, Randy (Stacy) Vasek, Connie (Robert) Bovaird, Colleen Vasek, and Darroll Vasek; grandchildren, Cassie (Zach Wilde) Reese, Cody and Colton Reese, Nichole (Thomas Martin) Guzman, and Justin and Logan Vasek; great-grandchildren, Chealyn, Conner, Cairysa, Rylee, and Emma; and her special nieces, nephews, and loved ones.

In addition to her husband, Frank; Leona was preceded in death by her parents; and all of her siblings, Roman, George, Frank. Emily Dolney, and Anton Gryksiewicz.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL (for family and close friends): Wednesday, February 3, 2020, at 10:30 AM, in Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Warren, MN; Masks and Social-Distancing will be required.
VISITATION: One hour prior to Mass.
INTERMENT: Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Warren, MN.

To watch a video of the Leona's funeral service, please click the link below:

https://www.facebook.com/DuBoreFuneralHome/videos/166912391636473/