Leona M. Hackbarth

Obituary

Leona Mae Hackbarth was born on April 9, 1932, in Grafton Township, Sibley County, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Edward and Helen (Kohn) Schmidt. Leona was baptized as an infant on May 1, 1932. She received her education in Buffalo Lake, Minnesota, and was a graduate of the Buffalo Lake High School Class of 1950.

On July 13, 1951, Leona was united in marriage to Otto Richard Hackbarth Jr. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Brookfield Township, Renville County, Minnesota. This marriage was blessed with five children, Steven, Michelle, Scott, Greg, and Brad. Leona and Otto lived in Hector a short time prior to moving to Van Nuys, California, for one year. They then returned, settling in Buffalo Lake to care for Leona’s mother, Helen, and to raise their family. In 1985, they lived in Richmond, Virginia for one year. In 1986, Leona and Otto moved to Shakopee, Minnesota, where they resided until repeated health issues caused their moving into The Lutheran Home in Belle Plaine, Minnesota.

Along with being a loving homemaker to her husband and children, Leona was employed seasonally at Green Giant in the 1970s and then became a bus driver. While living in Richmond, Virginia, Leona worked at the local K-Mart. She was also employed at Tires Plus in Chaska, Minnesota, as their bookkeeper, and also worked at The Census Bureau, while living in Shakopee. When the family moved back to Buffalo Lake, she began driving school bus for the Buffalo Lake schools. She retired in 2000. Leona was known as the town “Avon Lady” as well as, “Mary Kay Lady” throughout her entire life.

Leona was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo Lake.

Leona loved to dance in her earlier years, and could be seen at the Lake Marion Ballroom twirling around the floor with Otto. She also enjoyed drawing, growing flowers, bowling, listening to music, going on walks, and going on many trips. Leona and Otto’s doors were always open to other children who needed a safe haven and foster parenting. Leona especially enjoyed spending time with her family, grandchildren and friends.

Leona passed away on Tuesday, July 6, 2021, at The Lutheran Home in Belle Plaine, Minnesota, at the age of 89 years. Blessed be her memory.

Leona is survived by her:
Children, Steven Hackbarth of Maricopa, AZ,
Michelle Henkels and her husband, Kevin, of Bloomington, MN,
Scott Hackbarth and his wife, Brenda, who have been residing in various areas after selling their
family farm in Slayton, MN,
Greg Hackbarth and his wife, Pat, of Gaylord, MN,
Brad Hackbarth and his wife, Benita, of Hutchinson, MN;
23 Grandchildren;
31 Great-Grandchildren;
Brothers, Rueben Schmidt and his wife, Carol, of Bloomington, MN,
                  Harold Schmidt;
Many other relatives and friends.

Leona is preceded in death by her Parents, Edward and Helen Schmidt; Husband, Otto Hackbarth Jr.; Siblings, Virginia Minks, Fern Penticoff, Roland Schmidt Elvin Schmidt; Brothers-In-Law, Larry Minks and Dennis Penticoff; Sister-In-Law, Darlene Schmidt.