Leona Elsie Kirstein

Leona E. Kirstein 102, formerly of the town of Marathon, died peacefully, November 10, 2010 at Kennedy Park Medical and Rehabilitation Center, Weston. She was born April 15, 1908, in the town of Stettin, daughter of the late Otto and Anna (Wendorf) Zunker. She was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church, town of Stettin. She married Raymond C. Kirstein, June 14, 1928, also at Trinity Lutheran Church, town of Stettin. He preceded her in death January 3, 1976. They were blessed with five children. Leona graduated from the Wausau Business Institute on May 28, 1925, and worked in the office at Marathon Rubber Plant. Leona loved to sew, and continued sewing, alterations and upholstery well into her nineties. She was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Wausau, belonging to the Welfare Workers. She was also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the American Legion, Marathon. Surviving children are Eileen (Delmar) Kolbe, town of Marathon, Beverly Batz, Roseville, Calif., William (Shirley) Kirstein, Tomahawk, Lou Ann (James) Jester, Beloit, John (Mary) Kirstein, town of Marathon; eleven grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren, twelve step great-grandchildren, thirteen great great-grandchildren; one brother, Norton (June) Zunker, town of Stettin; one sister-in-law, Edna Zunker, Palm Harbor, Flor., nieces, nephews and friends. Besides her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by one grandson, Todd Jester, a son-in-law, Willis Batz, seven siblings and her dear friend, Violet Gresens. A memorial visitation will be held at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau on Saturday, November 13, 2010 from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. Following visitation, Rev. Gary Schultz, Trinity Lutheran Church, will join the family for a private service of remembrance and celebration. Memorials in Leona's memory may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church, 501 Stewart Avenue, Wausau, WI 54401. The family extends a special thank you to the Pastor's at Trinity for their faithful visits and prayers. Also, sincere appreciations to Kennedy Park Medical and Rehabilitation Center for their loving care. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com