The Graveside Memorial Service for Leona Senftner Hilsendager, age 94 formerly of Elgin, ND and McIntosh, SD, will be held at 2:00 pm MT Thursday, June 9, 2016 at St. Bonaventure's Catholic Cemetery in McIntosh with Fr. Tony Grossenburg, officiating. At time of fellowship with refreshments will follow at the Catholic Church Rectory.

Leona Kirkeby was born October 15, 1921 in the Paradise Flats Community, southeast of Carson, ND to John and Mary (Merager) Kirkeby. She grew up in that area, graduating from Carson High School in 1940? She married Tony Senftner 12/22/1948. They made their home in McIntosh, where they owned and operated three different grocery stores. Leona also worked in a restaurant and managed the Dakota Hotel in McIntosh. Tony passed away 7/9/1973. She married Martin Hilsendager in June 1976 and they made their home in Elgin, ND until Martin passed away in April 1989. Leona continued to live in Elgin until she became ill and had to move to Manor Care in Fargo, where she lived until her passing.

Leona will be remembered for her faithfulness in the church and her dedication to her family. She was so proud of her children and grandchildren and their accomplishments. She was always so excited when family was going to come to her house for a stay. The grandkids will always remember that grandma would have fresh kuchen when they came for a visit. They will also remember that she loved to play "go fish" with them. They will also say that she loved to "cheat" a little at that game.

Grateful for having shared her life is her son Ralph and wife Cheryl, son Bill and wife Donna, daughter Faye and husband Bruce, eight grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren. She had 4 step-sons, Wilbur, Stanley, Roger and Robert.

She is preceded in death by her parents, siblings, husband, daughter Kathi, son David and great granddaughter Addy.