Leona Maxine Minnick

Leona Maxine Minnick, 94, passed away peacefully at home on November 25, 2015. Born in Page County, Iowa on March 29, 1921, at home to Art and Ethel Sturm. She graduated from Sharpsburg High School and played the position of forward on her high school basketball team. They made it to the state playoffs with just enough players to play and no substitutes and had to forfeit the game when one fouled out.
Leona married Homer W. Minnick on September 18, 1939 and they bought a farm, where they raised hogs, crops and their family. A consummate mother and homemaker, Leona was an excellent cook and enjoyed preparing meals for her family, friends and farmhands. She loved to watch food and cooking channels, Lawrence Welk and was also an avid sports fan (especially Iowa State). She loved her family and grandchildren and wanted to live long enough to see how they all turned out.
. Leona is survived by her daughter Karen (Minnick) Swiger and daughter in-law Karen Minnick, five grandchildren: Kylee Albright (Gregg), Karlene Mullin, Kayla Minnick-Dahms (Dan), Jennifer Everett (Justin), twelve great grandchildren: Nathan (Courtney) Albright, Kelsey Albright, Travis Taylo, Taylor Mullin, Kolton Dahms, Kelsi Dahms, Paige Booth, Josie Morrical, Tyler Everett, Trenten Everett, Zack Swiger and Maxx Swiger. Other survivors are Crystal Swiger, and Leslie Bush.
Leona was preceded in death by her loving husband of 68 years, Homer, who passed away on August 10, 2007. She was also preceded in death by her grandsons, Kory Minnick and Thomas (Buddy) Swiger; son, Hal Dean Minnick and daughter, Connie Lou Booth.
Leona and the family would like to thank the village of friends and neighbors that helped make her life easier so she could live her life out in her home.
A private family graveside service will held in Mediapolis, Iowa. In lieu of flowers or memorials, the family requests you take the time to “Pay It Forward” and help a family, child or person in need.