Leona E. Belott, of Oshkosh, passed away in the care of Aurora Hospice on Thursday, August 18, 2005. She was 103 years old. She was born on February 11, 1902 in the Town of Vilas in Langlade County, a daughter of the late Charles F. and Agnes J. (Jones) Polar. She married Frank Joseph Belott on November 28, 1928. The couple separated in 1943. After attending the Elmwood Grade School, she graduated from Antigo High School in 1918. Leona then attended Langlade County Normal School before teaching in many schools in that area. In 1952 Leona moved to Marion Public Schools and graduated from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point in 1960. She retired from teaching in 1968. After spending winters in Arizona she moved there in 1978 and spent 13 years enjoying the desert. She moved to her Oshkosh residence in 1992, still spending winters in Arizona until 2002. Her 100th birthday was celebrated in 2002. Leona was a member of the First Baptist Church in Benson, Arizona and attended Bethany United Church of Christ in Oshkosh. She was a member of the Daughters Of The American Revolution (D.A.R.), Stevens Point Chapter. Leona greatly enjoyed reading, walking in the desert, puzzles, traveling and crocheting. Even with poor eye sight, she made lap robes for many nursing homes. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Survivors include a daughter, Joan (Glen) Adkins of Oshkosh; a son, Jim (Marilyn) Belott of Rothschild; nine grandchildren, Patricia Adkins, Bill Adkins, Debra (Wayne) Folske, Sheri (Mick) Becker, Rick (Pam) Adkins, Cathy (Jeff) Schneider, Jamie (Steve) Gilbertson, Jody (Pete) Rucinski, Jeff Belott; 17 great-grandchildren, 1 step great-grandchild, 3 great-great-grandsons, 3 step great-great-grandsons. She is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Esther (Julius) Sieber and Alma (Harley) Space; two brothers, Archie (Ruby) Polar and Ralph (Mathilda) Polar.
Funeral services for Leona will be held on Monday, August 22, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. at Bethany United Church of Christ, 145 W. 24th Avenue, with the Reverend Kevin Mundell officiating. Burial will be in Ellenwood Cemetery. A time of visitation and support will be held at the church on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Memorials may be made to the Wisconsin Regional Library for The Blind at 813 W. Wells Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53233 or to Bethany United Church of Christ in her name. A memorial fund is being established. Leona's family wishes a sincere thank you to Aurora Hospice and Brenda Adkins and Barb Panske for the love and care given to Leona during her illness.
Seefeld Funeral and Cremation Services
www.seefeldfuneral.com
(920) 236-7750