Leona Thooft

Leona Marie Thooft was born on March 22, 1929 to Maurice and Helene (Slembroeck Apsomer) Laleman in Minneota, Minnesota. While growing up Leona was baptized and confirmed at St. Edwards Catholic Church in Minneota. She attended school at District 77 and graduated from Minneota High School. After high school, she furthered her education by attending Canby Normal School to obtain her teaching degree, completing her training in 1947. She taught country school for two years following her graduation. Leona was united in marriage on June 7, 1950 to the love of her life, Amandus Thooft, at St. Edwards Catholic Church. This marriage was blessed with 15 children together. They first lived on a farm north of Lynd, then moved to the family farm north of Tyler, Minnesota in the spring of 1955. After raising her family, Leona dedicated 17 years of working at the Tyler Nursing Home, continuing her passion for caring for others. Leona passed away on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at the Avera Tyler Hospital in Tyler, at the age of 97 years, two months and six days. Her legacy of love will live on in each of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Leona was a dedicated member of St. Dionysius Catholic Church in Tyler, Minnesota, where she was an active CCW member and later taught CCD. She was also a member of the Schoenstatt Ladies in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. Her faith was the center of her life, she used every chance she could to pour her love for her Lord into her daily life and into the lives of those around her. Her most prized possessions were her well worn prayer books. Leona loved the Earth - she was always working diligently in her large garden, a passion that was passed down to the generations after her. She was a mother to many more than her own family - she profoundly touched the lives of those who had the privilege to know her.

Leona is lovingly remembered by her children, Arthur (Jean) Thooft of Audubon, Iowa, James (Mary) Thooft of Lake Benton, Minnesota, Theresa (Bryan) Lee of Lafayette, Colorado, Leonard (Janet) Thooft of Hoyt, Kansas, Joseph (Kathleen) Thooft of Ipswich, South Dakota, Ellen (Martin) Popowski of Ivanhoe, Minnesota, Louise (Bob) Soucie of St. Anne, Illinois, Charles (Catherine) Thooft of St. Paul, Minnesota, Paul (Karen) Thooft of Marshall, Minnesota, Christopher Thooft of Tyler, Minnesota, Philip (Michelle) Thooft of Chisholm, Minnesota, Matthew (Bernadette) Thooft of Canyon, Texas, Monica Thooft of Marshall and Benjamin (Evelyne) Thooft of San Antonio, Texas; numerous beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brothers, Omer Laleman and Etien Laleman. Leona was preceded in death by her husband, Amandus Thooft; daughter, Maria Redmond; grandsons, Mathias Thooft, Aaron Redmond, Scott Lee and Isaiah Thooft; granddaughters, Angela Thooft and Hazel Thooft; great-grandson, Dillan Thooft; brothers, Joe Laleman and Daniel Lalemen; sisters, Mary Anne Buysse and Bernice Wyffels; and many brothers- and sisters-in-law.