Leona Vigars

Leona Vigars, 101 passed away on September 20, 2024, in Rochester, MN. She was born to Ben and Anna (DeVries) Boelman on October 1, 1922. She was born at the family home (a farm in Grundy County, Wellsburg, IA). She was fourth oldest in a family of nine children, eight of which lived to adulthood. Leona was baptized and confirmed in a little country church, Evangelical Reformed (UCC) in German County, Ackley, IA.

Leona graduated eighth grade from country school, Pitze’s Beauty School in Waterloo, IA, and a course in accounting from AIB in Des Moines, IA. She had her own beauty shop for nine years in Wellsburg, IA and worked for an advertising agency for about a year in Des Moines, IA. There, Leona was introduced to Bill Vigars by a mutual friend. She and Bill were married on May 25, 1957 in Aplington, IA. Leona lived with Bill on the Vigars family farm for 25 years, retired, and moved to Eldora, IA in 1981.

Leona was an active member of the First United Methodist Church, including U.M.W. She was a 50+ year member of P.E.O. Leona also started a Prayer Shawl knitting group, served on the Friends of the Library Board, and Kiwanis Club. She throughly enjoyed pressing flowers and creating greeting cards, especially birthday cards.

In 2017, Leona moved to Rochester, MN, had her own apartment in The Homestead of Rochester, and enjoyed a rich friendship community there. This decision to leave Eldora, her home for 60 years, was a difficult choice, however, she wanted to live closer to family. Leona was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, in 2007. Her brothers, George, Folkert, Ben, and Bob and her sisters, Tillie (Johnson), Helen (Graham), and Pearl (Kinrade).

She is survived by her sons Byram (Donna), Jim (Linda), and daughter Becky (Jim Payne); four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Lois (Lumley).

In lieu of flowers, please consider planting a tree, donating to a favorite charity, doing something that brings you joy. Visitation will be held at Christian Fellowship Church (formerly First United Methodist Church) in Eldora, IA on October 5, 2024, starting at 12:30 PM continuing to 2:30 PM with the funeral service following. A memorial service is also planned at The Homestead in Rochester, MN with details to follow.