Leona Melhus Obituary: Leona Barbara Schminke Melhus, 102, of Newhall, Iowa died July 17,2014 at Lantern Park Nursing and Rehab, Coralville, IA. Celebration of Life Services will be Monday, July 21, 2014, 10:00 AM, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 805 Hwy 151 W, Walford, IA with Pastor Travis Borkosky officiating. Visitation will be at the church Sunday, July 20, 2014 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Burial will be at the family burial site, Lutheran Cemetery, Norway, IA. Leona was born, March 24, 1912 to Henry and Elizabeth (Rinderknecht) Schminke. She was baptized into her faith April 21,1912 at St. Stephens Lutheran Church, Atkins, IA. On August 31, 1938 she was united in marriage to Clarence A. Melhus. Together they farmed and had three children. Clarence died October 3,1948. Growing up during the depression she knew about working hard and providing for her family. She was employed until she was 70, retiring from Joens Brothers Interiors as a bookkeeper. Her dream of becoming a nurse was partially fulfilled as a volunteer at St. Luke's Hospital with over 3,000 hours. She loved reaching out and giving to others. In 2006 she received the Iowa Governors Award for volunteering. She was also active in Kirkwood's Heritage on Aging. Leona was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, a Sunday School Superintendent, 40 year Choir Member and the Women's ECWU treasurer. She lived alone until age 101 and if you visited her you will remember the home made cookies she had ready for you. She cherished her family, was very proud of their accomplishments and would love to show you her latest photos of which she had many. She is survived by two daughters; Kathleen A. (William) Stickney, North Liberty and Carol L. Schirm, Cedar Rapids; one son, Kenneth C. (Sheila) Melhus, Papillion, NE. Five Grandchildren: Steven W. (Lynette) Stickney, Marion; Stacy E. (John) Stickney Ferguson, Minneapolis, MN; Jon C. (Patti) Stickney, SR, Barrington, IL; Kendra D. (Bobby) Malik, Omaha, NE; Michael J. (Abbey) Melhus, Ralston, NE. Leona had twelve Great Grandchildren: Jon C. "J.C." Stickney, Jr.; Connor C. Stickney; Kelly W. Stickney; Lee S. Stickney; Nathaniel P. Ferguson; Paige E. Ferguson; Annika J. H. Melhus; Eliana J. Melhus; Eowyn E. Melhus; Jovie A. Melhus; Morgan P. Malik; Tyson R. Malik. Also survived by two sister-in-laws and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by seven siblings: Brothers Walter, Edwin, Henry, Jr., Wilmer and Carl; Two Sisters Edna Haerther and Hilda Maurer. Two Grandsons: Jeffrey A. Schirm and Brian C. Schirm. She will be remembered as the matriarch of her family, her beautiful faith in God and how she was happy with what she had. Brosh Funeral Service of Norway is serving the family. Memorials may be directed to the family.