Helen “Leora” Mekelburg was born on October 3, 1921 to Bill and Matilda Murrain in Yuma, Colorado. She passed away on August 6, 2023 at Harmony Home in Yuma, Colorado at the age of 101.
Leora married Irvin Mekelburg in 1941. To this union were born four sons, Perry, Leo, Kent and Boyd.
Leora was a hard working farm wife, working alongside her husband and sons, many times doing chores by herself so that her sons could participate in sport and other activities.
In 1962, her family moved to Yuma when her husband became the State Farm Insurance agent and she served as his secretary for many years.
Leora always valued her family and adored her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren. She enjoyed spending time cooking and baking and sharing the fruits of her labor along with the recipe with family and friends. Her cinnamon rolls were amazing and often disappeared quickly. She also made crafts, blankets and even Halloween costumes for as long as she was able. She enjoyed attending the games and programs of her grandchildren and going to early morning coffee with her friends.
Leora was preceded in death by her husband Irvin, her son Perry, her parents Bill and Matilda, and her sisters, Gladys, Wilma and Velma.
Leora is survived by her sons Leo and wife Iris of Fleming, Colorado; Kent of Yuma, Colorado and Boyd and wife Leslie of Carthage, Missouri. Grandchildren, Shelly Wagner and fiancé Tom; Candice and husband, Greg Lock; Amber and husband Shane Schliesser; Eddie Mekelburg and Sidney Flaming; and Jessica and husband Josh Dorsey; great-grandchildren Zachary and wife Leaura Wagner, Justin and wife Anna Wagner, and Lindsey Wagner, Alaina and Colton Schliesser, Baylee Dorcey, and Charlotte Lock; great-great grandchildren Lillian Wagner and Ava and Harleigh Wagner.
Graveside service was August 11, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at the Yuma Cemetery with David Hoch officiating. Baucke Funeral Home directed the service.
2023-08-18