Leona Schank

Mar 4, 1930 -

Jul 19, 2020

Leona Mae Schank passed away peacefully at home on July 19, 2020. Leona's journey began in Crawford, Neb., on March 4, 1930, born second of Richard and Opal's six children. Her spiritual path began when she was baptized by her grandfather, Pastor John Witt. At age 4, she was sent to Norfolk, Neb., to attend St. Paul's Lutheran School and was confirmed there in 1943. She graduated in 1948 from Scottsbluff High School. In 1950, she married Kenneth Schank, a widower with two children, Terry and Sally, in Denver, Colo. Much to Leona's delight, her wedding was officiated by her uncle, pastor Herbert Witt.

When Kenneth was recalled into the USAF, the family moved to California, where her daughters Suzan and Peggy were born. In 1954, they loaded up and drove the Alcan Highway, settling in Anchorage. In 1957, the family lived the Alaskan adventure and homesteaded in the Goose Bay area. Leona enjoyed life whether on the homestead "packing her pistol" or waltzing through town in her 4" heels. She loved fishing, camping and their cabin in the woods. Leona's love of the Last Frontier never waned. In 1960, son Rocky was born, completing the family. Leona was delighted to support her children in all their activities including Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, Jobs Daughters and DeMolay. Fostering a love of community gave her great joy and she deeply enjoyed this time with her children. Over the years, Leona was honored to serve as Dept. of AK Secretary/Treasurer of The American Legion Auxiliary for 5 years, as a member of the Anchorage Women's Club, Pioneer Igloo 4 and member and Past High Priestess of LOSNA. A lifelong Lutheran, she was also a member of Shepherd of the Hills, Anchorage.

Leona was deeply loved and is survived by daughters, Sally Sprague, Peggy (Joe) Kalamarides; son, Rocky (Christina) Schank; son-in-law, Gary Matthews; brother, Larry (Marlena) Witt; 20 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by Kenneth, her husband of 66 years; son, Terry Schank; daughter, Suzan Matthews; brother, Harry Witt; sisters, Lonna Smallwood, Gloria Petrovich and Naomi Witt.

Service will be streamed via YouTube at ShepherdAk at 2 p.m. on Monday, July 27, 2020.