Leona McMurray

Leona McMurray, 83, of New Hope, MN, passed away Friday, June 21, 2019, at the Pembina County Memorial Hospital, Cavalier, ND. Memorial service will be Friday, August 9, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. at the St Boniface Catholic Church, Walhalla, ND. Lunch to follow service at church.

Leona was born in Walhalla, ND, to William and Jennie Belanus. She attended the one room Coburn country school. Continuing on to Walhalla Public School and Mayville Community College. On May 7, 1960, she married Howard McMurray and they made their home in New Hope, MN. Leona turned her love of animals into a career as a well-known dog trainer in the Twin Cities area. She owned a training school and together they spent many years traveling, showing, and competing in the dog show world.

Leona enjoyed spending time with family and friends with her dogs by her side. She had a great sense of humor and especially enjoyed laughing at funny stories and playing cards with her grandsons

Leona is survived by her husband, Howard McMurray; daughter Marie Knute; grandsons: Michael and Matthew Knute; and sister, Jessie Urlaub.

 Leona was preceded in death by parents William and Jennie Belanus; son, Jeffrey McMurray; daughter, Jennifer McMurray; brothers: Robert and Charles Belanus Sr.; sisters: Mary Blair and Nellie Proskurnik.