Leona Anna Schaller, age 96, passed away March 26, 2017 at Home Again Assisted Living, Columbus, WI.A funeral service will be held on Sunday, April 2nd at 2:00 p.m. at Koepsell-Ziedler Funeral Home in Columbus, with Rev. Sandra Schieble officiating. A visitation will take place from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at Koepsell-Ziedler Funeral Home. Burial will take place at Hillside Cemetery in Columbus.She was born September 4, 1920 to Jessie (Braaksma) and Fred Sommer in the Town of Scott, Columbia County. Leona married Reginald Baker on December 2, 1939. He preceded her in death in August of 1962 after more than 20 years of marriage. She then married Lloyd Schaller on June 4, 1966. They enjoyed more than 30 years together before his passing in October of 2002.As a homemaker, Leona’s passion for gardening, birding, and baking were second to none. Flowers and bulbs from her gardens (and tips on how to best grow them) were shared with friends and family for miles around. Her desserts were the highlight of the holidays and her cookbook collection totaled hundreds of volumes – many with notes in the margins of her opinions and suggested changes. Leona’s travels took her throughout North America. She was also active in the Ladies Auxiliary of Columbus-Fall River VFW Post 8090, a life member of the Disabled American Veterans Ladies Auxiliary (R Seippel 50), and a faithful member of Faith Lutheran Church, Columbus. She is survived by a niece – Linda (Dave) Bradley of Fox Lake, a nephew – Lee Hendrickson of Cambria, a sister-in-law – Irene Baker of Fall River, a nephew-in-law – Eldon Radke of Madison, several grand and great-grand nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.In addition to her parents and husbands, she was preceded in death by her brother William Sommer and her sister Ruby (Orville) Hendrickson.We would like to especially thank the staff of Home Again for their loving care of Leona. Thanks also to Generations Hospice, Drs. Rolf and Sam Poser, staff at Columbus Community Hospital, and the many people who have helped Leona through the years.
