Leona Wallbaum

Leona Louise Wallbaum, age 104, of Parkersburg, Iowa, was born the daughter of Ernest and Dena (Uhlenhopp) Schrage on September 26, 1916, Bristow, Iowa. She was baptized at St. John Lutheran Church – Vilmar on October 29, 1916. She received her education from Albion Township #6 Country School near her home. She was confirmed on June 4, 1933, at Salem Lutheran Church rural Parkersburg.
On February 2, 1954, Leona was united in marriage with William “Bill” Wallbaum Jr. at Bethel Lutheran Church in Parkersburg. The couple made their home and farmed northeast of Parkersburg. Leona was a loving wife, mother and hard working farm wife. In her earlier years prior to marriage Leona kept house for other families.
Leona was an active and faithful member of over 80 years at Bethel Lutheran Church, where she had taught Sunday school for over 38 years, Bible school, Luther League and was active in Women’s Circle and W.E.L.C.A. She enjoyed baking, sewing, gardening and quilting especially with the ladies at church. Her church work and fellowship was a very big part of her life.
    On Monday, January 11, 2021, Leona passed away frm complications of Covid-19 at the Rehabilitation Center of Allison, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her husband William “Bill” Wallbaum Jr. on September 28, 1978; a daughter, Nancy Henrichs on January 24, 2001; parents; one sister, Irene Klinkenborg; and three brothers, Lawrence, Elmer and Harold Schrage.
Leona is survived by a son-in-law, Don Henrichs of Allison; three grandchildren, Kimberly (Nolan) Junker, Kyle (Melissa) Henrichs, and Mark Henrichs; seven great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Briley and Bailey Junker and Colton, Abby, Jack and Oliver Henrichs; One brother, Orville (Joanne) Schrage, Vinton, and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, January 14, 2021, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Parkersburg, with Pastor Kent Wallace officiating. Pastor Kent Wallace sang “Children of the Heavenly Father” and “O Take My Hand Dear Father”. A recording of “What A Friend We Have In Jesus” by Alan Jackson was played during the service. Burial was held at Oak Hill Cemetery in Parkersburg, with Dallas Schrage, Merle Schrage, Jim Lupkes, Craig Schrage, Billy Klinkenborg, Ernie Schrage, Jon Schrage and Joe Wallbaum serving as Casketbearers. Honorary Casketbearers were Jeff Badger and Tim Schnell.
Visitation was held one hour prior to services at church. Memorials may be directed to Bethel Lutheran Church. Redman-Schwartz Funeral Home in Parkersburg was in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.redman-schwartz.com