Leona Pearl Breeze Altenbaumer, age 97, passed away January 15, 2022, at Thorne Care Center, Hutchinson.
She was born July 5, 1924, in Preston, Kansas. Leona was a telephone operator in Preston, until she married Leonard Altenbaumer, November 15, 1946. He preceded her in death on November 22, 2007.
Leona and Leonard lived on their farm in Rice County for 29 years, until they moved to Hutchinson. She worked at Sears in maintenance agreements and then as a product demonstrator for 30 years, most of that at Walmart.
Leona was a survivor of childhood polio, which prevented the use of her right arm, but that never stopped her. From being a farmer’s wife, mother, homemaker, and her jobs outside the home, Leona accomplished it all, even driving stick shift trucks during harvest.
Leona was proud of her membership to Salem United Methodist Church, and the many lifelong friends she had there, as well as friends and bingo at Delos V. Smith Senior Citizen’s Center.
At 97, she has outlived her parents and all of her siblings, and is the last of her generation on the Altenbaumer side. Leona is survived by: her children, Len Altenbaumer, Hutchinson, and Linda Altenbaumer, Sun City Arizona; nieces and nephews; and great-nieces and great-nephews.
The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the many staff members at Thorne Care Center who cared for Leona during her many years as a resident. Some staff were with her from day one, and their care and compassion gave the family great comfort.
Cremation has taken place. A private inurnment will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Wesley Towers Good Samaritan Fund, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.