Leona DeFoe

Leona Defoe, 92, passed away Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at Wedgewood Manor in Cavalier, ND. Funeral services will be held Monday, October 10,  2022 at 10:30 a.m. at United Lutheran Church. A visitation will be held Sunday, October 9^th from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Askew Funeral Home, Cavalier, ND.

Leona A. Menke was born to Fred and Annie (Paetsch) Menke on May 28, 1930. She grew up in rural Neche, attending country school through the eighth grade. On September 22, 1949, she married Grant Defoe in Neche. They lived and worked in Neche until 1965, when they moved to Pembina, ND. Leona worked at the grocery store and was active in church activities, playing the organ and piano for various events. They moved to Grand Forks, ND in 1970. Grant passed away in January of 1978. Leona then earned a degree from Aakers Business College, worked at EAPC Architects, then Altru Hospital in medical records. After retirement she worked at Daytons, then Macy’s. In 2008 she moved to Country Estates in Cavalier, ND.

Her interests included crocheting, embroidery and time with friends. Most of all she liked spending time with her family. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren all held a special place in her heart.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Annie; her husband, Grant; daughter, Cindi; and brothers, Arnold, Alvin and Elmer.

She is survived by her son, Joe (Nancy); brothers, Ralph and Snook Menke; son-in-law, Jim Feldman; grandchildren, Jason Feldman (Melissa), Megan Bonaime (Aaron), Matthew Defoe (Jen), and Nicole Defoe; seven great grandchildren, Abigail and Katelyn Feldman, Elliana, Elise and Emmett Bonaime, Andrew Kjos, and Stella Defoe. She is also survived by many brother and sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews.