Leona Ann Brehm Sigwing returned to our Heavenly Father early Thursday morning, June 11, 2021 at the Kansas City Hospice House. Leona was born on January 13, 1943 in Culbertson, NE. Leona leaves behind a younger brother, Dennis L. Brehm of Kansas City, MO. She was preceded in death by her parents, Esther Hein Brehm and Henry Brehm, and two brothers Donald W. Brehm and Kenneth K. Brehm.
Leona grew up in the German Congregational Church which was central to daily life in her family and community. She had aspirations to be a missionary when she grew up. Her father asked the Reverend Hanson to write a prayer for his family to say before mealtime. As an adult with her own family, that is the prayer Leona's family has continued to say together. In high school, Leona came to love English and Drama through the inspiration of a respected teacher.
August 31, 1963, Leona married Larry Gene Sigwing in Culbertson, NE. They lived in Kansas City, KS for 47 years. Leona and Larry were blessed with two daughters, Rebecca Sigwing of Boise, ID and Renea Richards who is married to Jeff Richards and resides in Olathe, KS. Leona took great joy in her four grandchildren: L. Michael Gunzenhauser, Janalyn Garlock, Jessica Richards, Jordan Richards; and two great grandsons: Ryan and Beau Gunzenhauser.
Leona reluctantly learned to play the piano as a child and like so many children who take piano lessons, she learned to value the lessons later as an adult. Her home was often filled with the music she played on the baby grand piano Larry bought to surprise her. Leona was an employee of the Piper School District for over 20 years. She taught English, American Literature and Drama. Leona loved traveling with Larry, her children and grandchildren, or with close friends. It did not matter if it was a long road trip across the country, a short day trip to explore closer to home or just a long drive with an ice cream stop along the way. Leona was blessed with a strong, unwavering faith. From her youth, she maintained a peaceful grace that allowed her to build strong nurturing relationships within her family, among her friends and her students.
It was both Leona's and Larry's wish to be buried together at the National Cemetery in Ft. Leavenworth, KS. A visitation will be held for Leona on Wednesday, June 16th from 5-7pm at Porter Funeral Home, 8535 Monrovia, Lenexa, KS 66215. Graveside service for the interment of ashes will be a private gathering on Thursday, June 17th at 11am. There will be a celebration of life luncheon after the graveside service at 1pm. Please ask a family member for information.
For those who would wish to donate in lieu of flowers, Leona requested memorial donations be made in her memory to the Prairie Paws Animal Shelter in Ottawa, KS. Prairie Paws is a non-profit, no-kill animal rescue organization where a much loved family pet named Dixie was adopted. The contact information is as follows:
Prairie Paws Animal Shelter
3173 Hwy K68
Ottawa, KS 66067
(785)242-2967
Website: prairiepaws.org
Email: info@prairiepaws.org