Leona Groenhagen

Leona Ruth (Roos) Groenhagen, age 92, passed away on Saturday, July 16, 2022 at Serenity Hospice and Home, Oregon, surrounded by her loving family. Leona was born on June 30, 1930, in Oregon, Illinois, the daughter of Andrew and Anna (Bolthouse) Roos. She graduated from Oregon High School in 1948. While in high school, she met the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Groenhagen at the Roller Rink. They were married on November 8, 1949, and would go on to enjoy a wonderful life together for nearly 73 years. After marrying, Leona and Bob started farming on the same farm that she grew up on. It was there that they raised their four children. Leona was baptized, confirmed, and married at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Paynes Point. She was an active member entire life rarely missing a worship service. Leona’s interests and talents were many. No one made better chocolate chip cookies. She always had a box ready to send with each grandchild every time they left to go back to college. Using her mother’s recipe, she made frosted cut out sugar cookies for every holiday, carefully making sure that each person got exactly the same number of cookies. She and Bob made their famous peanut brittle every Christmas. Leona was a member of the Red Hat Ladies, and was an avid collector of Precious Moments. She was also active in the Chana Mothers’ Club and numerous Bible study groups at Emmanuel. Leona and Bob loved traveling, attending concerts, plays, and socializing with their many friends. But most of all, they loved attending all of the activities that their kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids were involved in. They were die-hard Oregon Hawk Fans and were a constant presence in the stands of any sporting event. Leona is survived by her husband of 72 ½ years, Bob;  Children: Linda (Mark) Wills, Larry (Joyce) Groenhagen, and Gary (Joan) Groenhagen, all of Oregon. Son-in-law: David (Gretchen) Nelson of Mt. Morris. Grandchildren: Bryan (Stacy) Wills, Brent Wills, Adam (Brittany) Groenhagen, Chad (Katelind) Groenhagen, Brittany (Nathan) Drozd, Craig Nelson, Kyle (Faith) Groenhagen, and Kate Groenhagen. She is also survived by 14 great-grandchildren and countless family and friends. Leona was predeceased by her parents, daughter, Lois (Groenhagen) Nelson, and brother, Edwin Roos. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home, 110 S. 7th Street in Oregon, IL from 4-7. Funeral Services will be at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, July 21st at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Paynes Point. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Serenity Hospice and Home, or the Village of Progress.