In loving memory of

Leona I. Sissel
March 18, 1922 - January 27, 2008

LEONA SISSEL MUSCATINE, Iowa - Leona I. Wagler Sissel, 85, of Muscatine, died Sunday, January 27, 2008, at home. Celebration of Life Service will be 12 NOON on Saturday, February 16, 2008, at the Trinity Episcopal Church. The Reverend Betsy Lee, Reverend Robert Pickerell, and Reverend Don Sondrol will officiate the service. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery at a later date. A luncheon will follow the service at Trinity Episcopal Church. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to service time on Saturday, February 16, 2008, at the church. Memorials will be utilized for window installation at both the First Christian Church or Trinity Episcopal Church, from Leona's collection. The Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences for the Sissel family may be left at www.wittichfuneralhome.com. Leona was born on March 18, 1922, in Burlington, the daughter of Joseph and Florence Myrtle Carithers Wagler. She married Dewey D. Sissel on February 4, 1942, in Kahoka, Missouri. He preceded her in death in 1983. She received her Bachelors Degree and Masters Degree from the University of Iowa. She taught second grade and served as principal at Montpelier, Grant and Mulberry Schools. She was a member of the First Christian Church and the Muscatine Retired Teachers Association. She enjoyed traveling and socializing with friends. Those left to honor her memory include two sons, D. Kent Sissel of Muscatine, and Tim R. Sissel of Muscatine and Iowa City; two granddaughters, Lora Bunn of Milan, Illinois, and Lisa Garrett and husband, Bryan, of Muscatine; four great-grandchildren, Holly Vroman, Griffin Bunn, Zachery Garrett, and Bryanna Garret; two sisters, Eva Schafer of Burlington, and Gertrude Fletcher of Burlington; one sister-in-law, Delphia Wagler of West Burlington; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one son, Kary D. Sissel in 1984, two brothers, Ira and Marvin, and two sisters, Ferris and Ozetta.

Tributes

Mary Dubert wrote on Feb 16, 2008:

"Kent - I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. My prayers are with you and your family."

janie wrote on Feb 16, 2008:

"We were lucky enough to meet Leona in Mexico. What a very lovely and special lady! Our deepest sympathy to Tim and his entire family. Janie and Norb"

Karen in NYC wrote on Feb 15, 2008:

"I was sorry to hear of her passing. I only know OF her thru her son Tim's postings on various Mexico message boards. Somehow I felt like I knew or, or certainly WANTED to know her. My sincerest condolences to all the family and friends."

Carol Clark wrote on Feb 15, 2008:

"Kent and Tim, My thoughts are with you. Take care of yourselves as lovingly and well as you did your mother. Carol"

Trish & Kathleen wrote on Feb 15, 2008:

"Leona was an amazing woman who made a difference in the life of so many. She was adored by many and will be missed by all. We wish we could be there to celebrate her life with you. Please feel this "virtual" hug. Love, Trish & Kathleen"

Chuck & Alan wrote on Feb 15, 2008:

"We will always, always remember Leona's incredible smile and warm greetings each time we saw her. Such graciousness, warmth and good humor are very rare. They are special gifts she gave to everyone. It is a privilege to have known her!"

Gary and Sandy Fortney wrote on Feb 15, 2008:

"Your mom's smile and warm personality always came through when I saw her at school or church. We know you will all have wonderful memories and you were very good to her."

Greg Leckrone wrote on Feb 14, 2008:

"Wanted to say again to you and Kent how I enjoyed your moms personality and good times abroad---all the best...greg"

Beth in MN wrote on Feb 14, 2008:

"My condolences to you and you family. I only got to know your mother through your pictures and stories on the Message Board. She seemed like a very smart and charismatic woman. What a blessing to have in your life. God Bless, Kevin and Beth"

Paul & Shirley Ross wrote on Feb 14, 2008:

"We enjoyed your Mother's company and shared our love of Cancun on several vacations. It was our pleasure to know her."

Wendi & Kent Hutton and family wrote on Feb 14, 2008:

"Our sincere sympathy and prayers are with all those Great Aunt Lonie leaves behind. What an amazing woman! She will be greatly missed."

Julie Stauffer wrote on Feb 14, 2008:

"Kent: I am sorry to hear about your mother. Just remember, to keep your grief light-hearted, and as time goes by, the sorrow, will fade, and you will be blessed with beautiful memories of her. Take care and God Bless "

Joyce Jameson wrote on Feb 14, 2008:

"I will always remember fondly spending time with Leona, Kent and Tim in Cancun. She had a great spirit that will be with her family forever. Take good care ~ JoyceJ"

Joe Beckey wrote on Feb 13, 2008:

"Kent and Tim, I saw that your mom died on the 27th, but I was waiting to see when services were. At any rate, please know that my heart and prayers are with you as you grieve and celebrate your mother's life. God bless, Joe Beckey, SCC"

Gerry Miller wrote on Jan 31, 2008:

"Condolences to your family, Leona. And thanks for welcoming Tom, Jerry and me into your home all those many years ago. When you get where you're going, be sure to thank God for having sons who were so quick and able to care for you."

Lisa Garrett wrote on Jan 30, 2008:

"I will always remember you letting me put on all your jewlery to play dress up. You will be missed so very much Grandma!! Love Lisa"

Joyce & Harold Templeman wrote on Jan 29, 2008:

"Thank you, Aunt Lonie. Rest in peace. We'll always remember your laughter and great sense of humor. Our deepest sympathy to Kent & Tim. "