Leona Lohstreter

Leona (Bullinger) Lohstreter, age 95, of Mandan, passed away on December 7, 2021 at her home under the care of hospice.

Visitation will be held at Weigel Funeral Home on Tuesday, December 14, 2021 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm with a parish rosary at 7:00 pm. Mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at 10:30 am at Christ the King Church in Mandan.

Leona was born August 11, 1926 to Julius and Clementine (Gustin) Bullinger. Leona was one of 14 children born to this union. She always joked she was the cheapest child as she was child number 12 (cheaper by the dozen).

Leona married the love of her life, Ken Lohstreter, on February 21, 1949. They were married for 69 years and raised 4 children, Marilyn, Diane, Craig, and Bryan. Leona met Ken when he brought milk in for the soda fountain at the drugstore where she worked. She said it was love at first sight when she saw Ken’s curly, dark hair and blue eyes.

Leona said her best career was being a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She was proud that she always remembered the birthdays of all her great-grandchildren. She was a great cook and baker and was famous for her caramel rolls and pumpkin plachinda. She loved to garden and each summer she planted a huge garden. She canned hundreds of quarts of produce along with peaches, pears, apricots, and other fruits. Leona was also known for her wine making skills. Her wines were made from chokecherries, grapes, and plums that she picked on the farm.

Leona loved to play bridge and pinochle and played right up to her death. She was also fond of gambling on occasion and enjoyed going to the casino. She was proud that she was still driving at age 95. She enjoyed reading, embroidery, and walking. At age 70, she was very proud that she took the first place trophy for the 10K walk for women age 70 and over.

Leona was a charter member of Christ the King Church. She sang in the choir at St. Joseph’s Church and Christ the King with a group of girls for many weddings and funerals. Leona’s Catholic faith was very precious to her. She prayed a daily rosary and had a great devotion to the Sacred Heart and the Blessed Virgin.

Leona is survived by her children, Marilyn (Jim) Keller of Mandan, Diane (Bill) Bruley of Bismarck, Craig (Sandra) Lohstreter of Mandan, and Bryan (Diana) Lohstreter of Rock Springs, Wyoming; 9 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Leona was preceded in death by her parents, Julius and Clementine; her beloved husband, Ken; 2 brothers; 11 sisters; and an infant great-grandson.

Memorials are preferred to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the donor’s choice.