Leona (Grosz) Stern, 101, died January 26, 2024, at the Jacobson Memorial Hospital in Elgin, N.D.

Leona was born on November 24, 1922 to Reinhold and Helen (Zeller) Grosz in Mott, N.D. She married Reinholt (Reiny) Stern on June 14, 1943 in Tampa, Florida, where Reiny was stationed in the United States Army. They moved back to North Dakota after Reiny was discharged from the Army.

Leona worked at several grocery stores in Elgin and she was produce manager at Lynn's Dakotamart in Elgin before she retired. She was a member of the Elgin American Legion Auxiliary for 69 years, where she held numerous officer positions. She was also a long-time member of the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Elgin.

Leona is survived by a son, Doyle(Arlene) Stern of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, a daughter, Dileen(Rick) Prysock of Benton, Arkansas, 4 grandchildren, Lt. Col. Ryan(Maria) Stern of Kathleen, Georgia, Ann(Greg) Scheepstra of Tea, South Dakota, Matt Prysock of Mena, Arkansas and Trudy(Bryson)Tittle of Benton, Arkansas, 3 great grandchildren, Brett(Megan) Tittle of Benton, Arkansas, Jameson and Colton Scheepstra of Tea, South Dakota, 1 great-great grandchild, Bennett Tittle of Benton, Arkansas, 3 sisters, Ruby Will of Elgin, North Dakota, Marlys(Clifford)Friesz of Mandan, North Dakota and Myra Taylor of Mesa, Arizona, 3 sister–in-laws, Lois Grosz of Amarillo, Texas, Leona Stern of New Leipzig, North Dakota, Ann Roth of Portland Oregon and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding Leona in death were her parents, husband and 3 brothers.

Burial will be this summer at the Veteran's Cemetery in Mandan, North Dakota.

Memorials may be sent to the North Dakota Veteran's Cemetery in Mandan, North Dakota, or Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Elgin, North Dakota or the American Legion Auxiliary in Elgin, North Dakota.