Leona J. Grossman Obituary (1933 - 2017)

Leona J. Grossman age 84 formally of Dixon, IL died Sunday November 19, 2017 in Princeton, IL while under the care of Hospice Compassus of LaSalle, IL. Her son Keith A. Grossman and son-in-law, Mike Strauch were at her side. Leona was born on June 5, 1933 in Rock Falls, IL to Byron and Marie Gerringer . She married the love of her life, Vernon E. Grossman on June 5th, 1959 at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Dixon. He preceded her in death on September 26, 2000. Visitation will be Monday November 27, 2017 from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Dixon. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 noon. Pastor David Shweppe will officiate. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery, Dixon. Memorials may be made to a scholarship fund to be established for nursing students. Calvert & Johnson Memorial Homes, Henry, by Mike Strauch is in charge of arrangements. Leona is survived by her children; Keith A. (Michael D. Strauch), Grossman, of Henry, IL, Mark E. (Veronica Hayes) Grossman, of Amboy and their children - Melissa (Wes), Michelle, Mandy, Mark and Marilynn, Byron E. (Brenda Contreras) Grossman, of Stewartstown, PA and their children - Brandon and Ben, and Kevin D. (Katherine Woessner) Grossman, of Dixon, and their children Katie (Vince), Kyler and Keaton. She also has six great-grandchildren. Leona graduated from Katherine Shaw Bethea Hospital's nursing school and earned her Masters of Nursing Degree from Northern Illinois University of DeKalb, Illinois in 1985. She was Coordinator of the Licensed Practical Nursing Program at Sauk Valley Community College for nearly 30 years prior to her retirement. Leona was a faithful and active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church of Dixon. Following her retirement, Leona was a pioneer in initiating the Ecumenical Parish Nursing Program that remains active today in several congregations in the Dixon and Sterling communities. Leona and her husband Vernon enjoyed hunting for antiques in their travels, and operating More Than a Memory Antiques. Leona especially enjoyed time helping others through her nursing talents and Faith in God. She encouraged the best from her students, frequently saying - "We have to teach them to be the best because they'll be the ones taking care of us when we are old! Calvert & Johnson Memorial Homes, Henry, by Mike Strauch is in charge of arrangements.