Leone Corrine (Anfinson) Popenhagen, Wadena, Iowa passed on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at the Good Samaritan Home, West Union. She was born on December 2, 1931, in Dover Township, Fayette County, the daughter of Leonard (Henry) and Catharine (Bishop) Anfinson, members of Stavanger Lutheran Church, Ossian. Leone attended Dover #6 country school. After her family moved to Lima to operate the country store, she attended the Lima country school and graduated from Fayette High School.
Leone was united in marriage to Harold Joy Popenhagen, Lima, on June 11, 1950, by Rev. Ukena, Bethel Presbyterian Church, West Union. They lived near Lima a few months before moving to Harold’s grandparent’s farm east of Wadena.
In 1958, Harold and Leone and boys moved to Wadena and welcomed a daughter in 1959. Leone was an active member of the Wadena Presbyterian Church, serving in various roles, including teaching Sunday and Bible School. She was a homemaker until working as a bookkeeper for Harold’s DX and later as a home health aide for Fayette County.
Throughout her lifetime, Leone was an active member of many organizations including the Volga Sunshine Club, Women’s Guild, Chi Anedaw Federated Club, Lima Ladies Aid, Wadena Community Club, Wadena Betterment Committee, and First Responders. She also served as Scout den mother.
Leone was a great cook and hosted many large gatherings. She loved working outdoors in her flowerbeds and gardens, as well as accompanying Harold to musical engagements, where she enjoyed listening, dancing, and socializing.
Leone is survived by her children and grandchildren: Larry, Wadena, and son, Ean (Kaelyn) and Larry’s stepdaughter, Devin (Raul) Herrera and their daughters, Delanie, Emery, and Maci; Ron (Luda), Sydney, Australia and children Renata and Darius; and Charla (Don) Mailey, Minnetrista, Minnesota and children Sari (Tom) and Rhiannon.
Also surviving are: Leone’s brother, Darrel (Bonnie) Anfinson and sister, Kolleen Asaad; sisters-in-law, Frances Popenhagen and Dora (Jerry) Bartels; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Leone was preceded in death by her husband and parents; her parents-in-law, Joy and Fern (Ward) Popenhagen; grandparents-in-law, John and Moldonata (Wooldridge) Ward; sister, Darlene Pugh and spouse, Verle; Harold’s brother, Russell and sisters and spouses, Shirley (Norman) Kleinlein and Mabel (Duane) Bockholt.
Visitation will be Sunday, May 7, 2023 from 4-7 pm at Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral, West Union, Iowa and one hour before services at the church on Monday.
Funeral Services will be at 11:00 am on Monday, May 8, 2023 at Wadena Community Church, Wadena, Iowa with Pastor Rusty Phillips as the Officiant.
Burial will follow at Wadena Cemetery, Wadena, Iowa.
Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, West Union, Iowa is helping the family with the arrangements.