Leona June Wenzel

LEONA JUNE WENZEL, age 99 of Northfield, formerly of Waseca, died on the morning of Sunday, April 6, 2025 in Northfield.

Leona was born on June 15, 1925 on her grandparents’ farm near New Richland as the oldest surviving child of parents Enoch and Irene (O’Riley) Root. She attended country school before graduating from Waseca High School with the class of 1943. In 1946 she graduated from St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Rochester, and later did her nurse cadet training at Hines Veteran’s Hospital in Chicago. Throughout the years Leona was married to Edmond Ciesielski, James Wenzel, and Troy McDonald. Each of her husbands preceded Leona in death. She enjoyed sewing, dancing, polka music, playing cards and calling bingo, and moving around town to be active in First Congregational Church, the Waseca Senior Center, and the VFW Auxiliary.

Leona is survived by two daughters, Linda (Alan) Clough of Eland, WI, and Laura (Scott) Stiernagle of Ladysmith, WI; a step-daughter, Connie (John) Jordan of ReHoboth, MA; nine grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Leland Root of Waseca and Lyle (Sharon) Root of Waseca. She was preceded in death by her parents; three previous husbands; a very special friend, Ted Matz; sister, Leta Clemons; and three brothers, Lowell, Lyndel, and Lester Root.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 17, 2025 at the First Congregational Church in Waseca, with Rev. Derrick Skoglund officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. A luncheon provided by Leona’s family will follow.