Leone Schwartz

Leone was born September 3, 1916, in Springfield, MN to Sofus and Anna (Johnson)Hansen. She married Nieman Franklin Schwartz on 12/18/1935 at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. Leone and Nieman spent several years in Minneapolis before moving to the Schwartz family farm in Leavenworth township near Sleepy Eye. They raised 7 children on their dairy farm and stayed busy in church and 4-H activities. Leone cooked for many joyous family occasions on the farm. During retirement, they enjoyed winters in Mesa, Arizona, and traveled in their motor home to California for Christmas with their daughters. Leone was a lifelong fan of Twins baseball. She was always ready for a game of cards. Her grandchildren all received a crocheted afghan. In Arizona she played cards, bowled and played billiards. Leone's survivors include three sons and families: Richard (Ann) of Berlin, MD; Roger (Jan) of Rochester, MN; and Charles (Helen) of Aurora, CO. She has three daughters and families: Judy DesJardins of Rocklin, CA; Patricia Small from Roseville, CA; and Linda Craig of Milpitas, CA. Her daughter-in-law is Marlene (Gary) Schwartz of St. Peter, MN, who has been her loving daily visitor the past three years. There are 16 surviving grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Leone's surviving sister is Doris Waterman of Hopkins, MN. Sisters-in-law surviving are: Irene Schwartz of Sleepy Eye, Kathleen (Hal) Schwartz Fodness of New Ulm and Priscilla (Roger) Starn of Eagan. Leone was preceded in death by husband Nieman, son Gary and grandson Eric Lundquist.